West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commiss 2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104
2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104 (304) 485-5494 www.wvssac.org (304) 485-5494 www.wvssac.org
Wayne Ryan, CAA Wayne Ryan, CAA
Dan Comer, CAA Dan Comer, CAA
Jaclyn Swayne, Ed.D. Jaclyn Swayne, Ed.D.
Assistant Executive Director dan.comer@wvssac.org Assistant Execu&ve Director dan.comer@wvssac.org
Assistant Executive Director jaclyn.swayne@wvssac.org Assistant Execu&ve Director jaclyn.swayne@wvssac.org
Executive Director wayne.ryan@wvssac.org Execu&ve Director wayne.ryan@wvssac.org
Chris Wells, CAA Chris Wells, CAA
Jason Bankston, CAA Jason Bankston, CAA
Rex Foster Rex Foster
Director of Compliance jason.bankston@wvssac.org Director of Compliance jason.bankston@wvssac.org
Assistant Executive Director chris.wells@wvssac.org Assistant Execu&ve Director chris.wells@wvssac.org
Manager of OBicials rex.foster@wvssac.org Manager of Officials rex.foster@wvssac.org
Anna Brown Anna Brown
Candice Hardbarger Candice Hardbarger
Grace Wilson Grace Wilson
Katelyn Enoch Katelyn Enoch
Administrative Assistant grace.wilson@wvssac.org Administra&ve Assistant grace.wilson@wvssac.org
Accountant katelyn.enoch@wvssac.org Accountant katelyn.enoch@wvssac.org
Administrative Assistant anna.brown@wvssac.org Administra&ve Assistant anna.brown@wvssac.org
Administrative Assistant candice.hardbarger@wvssac.org Administra&ve Assistant candice.hardbarger@wvssac.org
WVSSAC Office Responsibilities
Fall Sports Football
Chris Wells
Golf
Jason Bankston Jaclyn Swayne Jaclyn Swayne
Volleyball
Cheer
Cross Country
Dan Comer Dan Comer Chris Wells
Soccer
Band / Robotics
Winter Sports Wrestling
Dan Comer
Swim
Jaclyn Swayne Chris Wells
Basketball
Spring Sports Track
Dan Comer
Softball Baseball
Jason Bankston Chris Wells Jaclyn Swayne
Tennis
Academic Awards / Scholarships
Jaclyn Swayne/Grace Wilson
Appeals
Wayne Ryan / Jason Bankston / Candice Hardbarger
Arbiter Pay
Katelyn Enoch
Calendar
Candice Hardbarger / Wayne Ryan
C & I Cards
Anna Brown
Coaches Education
Dan Comer / Anna Brown
Digital Tickets
Rex Foster
Eligibility
Jason Bankston / Wayne Ryan
Emergency Action Plans
Jason Bankston
Football Ratings
Bryce Casto / Wayne Ryan / Chris Wells <bryce.casto@wvssac.org>
Hotels
Wayne Ryan
Invoices / Payments
Katelyn Enoch / Wayne Ryan
Legal Issues / Legislative Policy
Wayne Ryan
Media Credentials
Grace Wilson / Adam Zundell <media@wvssac.org>
Middle School Co-Ops
Jason Bankston / Wayne Ryan
NFHS Network Officials / Arbiter Reimbursement Review Board
Wayne Ryan Rex Foster
Wayne Ryan / Katelyn Enoch
Jason Bankston Jason Bankston
Sanctioning
Social Media (Facebook / X / Instagram)
Adam Zundell / Wayne Ryan / Grace Wilson <media@wvssac.org>
Sports Medicine
Dan Comer Anna Brown Jaclyn Swayne
State Tournament Programs
Student Leadership
CITIZENSHIP
RESPECT FOR SELF
RESPECT FOR
OTHERS
THE RULES AND REGULATIONS
of the
West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission
as set forth in the
Constitution and Bylaws
and
Approved by the West Virginia State Board of Education
Published by
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
of
The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission
REVISED AND PRINTED AUGUST 2025
Printed by Harless Printing Co, St. Albans
TABLE OF CONTENTS West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission Staff..................inside front WVSSAC Office Responsibilities Breakdown Introduction ........................................................................................................... 5 Deputy Board Members and Jurisdiction ................................................................. 7 Constitution and By Laws Committee ...................................................................... 8 Beliefs and Objectives ............................................................................................. 8 Historical Sketch ...................................................................................................... 9 Reorganization and Legalization ..............................................................................14 National Federation of State High School Associations...........................................15 Origin and Growth ....................................................................................................15 Statement of Philosophy ..........................................................................................16 Glossary of Terms.................................................................................................... 17 Series 1 - Constitution 127-1-1 General...............................................................................................19 127-1-2 Name..................................................................................................19 127-1-3 Goals..................................................................................................19 127-1-4 Membership ........................................................................................20 127-1-5 Administration.....................................................................................20 127-1-6 Officers and Duties .............................................................................22 127-1-7 Meetings .............................................................................................23 127-1-8 Board of Directors . .............................................................................23 127-1-9 Funds . ................................................................................................24 127-1-10 Amendments......................................................................................25 127-1-11 Executive Director ..............................................................................25 127-1-12 Duties of the Executive Director .........................................................26 127-1-13 Review Board .....................................................................................27 127-1-14 Rules and Regulations .......................................................................30 127-1-15 Board of Trustees ...............................................................................30 Series 2 - Athletics, Provisions Governing Eligibility 127-2-1 General...............................................................................................31 127-2-2 Waivers...............................................................................................31 127-2-3 Enrollment and Team Membership .....................................................31 127-2-4 Age.....................................................................................................33 127-2-5 Semester and Season........................................................................33 127-2-6 Scholarship .........................................................................................34 127-2-7 Residence - Transfer ..........................................................................34 127-2-8 Adoption/Guardianship/Custody .........................................................36 127-2-9 Undue Influence - Recruiting ..............................................................37 127-2-10 Non-School Participation ....................................................................37 127-2-11 Amateur ..............................................................................................38 127-2-12 Participation as an Ineligible ...............................................................39 127-2-13 Practice. .............................................................................................39 127-2-14 Concussion .........................................................................................40 127-2-15 Emergency Action Plan (EAP)............................................................41
Series 3 - Provisions Governing Contests 127-3-1
General...............................................................................................43 Duties and Responsibilities of the Principal . ......................................43 Physical Examination - Parental Permission......................................44 All-Star Perticipation ...........................................................................44 Awards . ..............................................................................................44 Coaches.............................................................................................45 Out-of-Coaching .................................................................................46 Forfeit and Restitution ........................................................................47 Game Officials ....................................................................................48 Classification ......................................................................................49 Exchange of Eligibility Contracts ........................................................50 Legal Opponents ................................................................................50 Contracts............................................................................................51 Sunday Contests ................................................................................51 Sports Rules - Game Protests ............................................................51 Sanctioning and Travel.......................................................................52 WVSSAC Tournaments ......................................................................52 Season Regulations ...........................................................................53 Baseball ..............................................................................................53 Basketball (Boys and Girls) ................................................................54 Cheerleading......................................................................................55 Cross Country (Boys and Girls) ..........................................................55 Football ...............................................................................................56 Golf (Boys and Girls) ..........................................................................59 Soccer (Boys and Girls) . ....................................................................59 Softball . ..............................................................................................60 Swimming (Boys and Girls) ................................................................61 Tennis (Boys and Girls) ......................................................................61 Track and Field (Boys and Girls) ........................................................62 Volleyball (Girls) . ................................................................................63 Wrestling (Boys) .................................................................................64 General...............................................................................................65 Sportsmanship . ..................................................................................65 Code for Interscholastic Athletics .......................................................65 General...............................................................................................71 Enrollment and Membership - Band ...................................................71 Scholarship - Band .............................................................................71 Festivals - Band ..................................................................................72 Sanctioning - Band .............................................................................72 Awards - Band ....................................................................................72 Classification of Schools - Band .........................................................73 Enrollment and Membership - Robotics .............................................73 Scholarship - Roboties .......................................................................73 Events - Robotics ...............................................................................74 Awards - Robotics . .............................................................................74
127-3-2 127-3-3 127-3-4 127-3-5 127-3-6 127-3-7 127-3-8 127-3-9 127-3-10 127-3-11 127-3-12 127-3-13 127-3-14 127-3-15 127-3-16 127-3-17 127-3-18 127-3-19 127-3-20 127-3-21 127-3-22 127-3-23 127-3-24 127-3-25 127-3-26 127-3-27 127-3-28 127-3-29 127-3-30 127-3-31
Series 4 - Provisions Governing Conduct 127-4-1
127-4-2 127-4-3
Series 5 - Band and Other Activities 127-5-1
127-5-2 127-5-3 127-5-4 127-5-5 127-5-6 127-5-7 127-5-8 127-5-9 127-5-10 127-5-11
127-5-12
Classification of Schools - Robotics ...................................................75
Series 6 - Violations of the Rules 127-6-1
General...............................................................................................76 Powers of the Board of Directors to Impose Penalties .......................76 Method for Protests - Deputies ...........................................................76 Method of Protests - Executive Director .............................................76 Method of Protests - Contested Cases . .............................................76 Review Board .....................................................................................76
127-6-2 127-6-3 127-6-4 127-6-5 127-6-6
Appendix C Past Members - Board of Directors ..........................................................................80 WVSSAC Administrative Districts............................................................................89
vi
INTRODUCTION
PRESIDENT
Office:
304-243-0400
Meredith Dailer, Principal Wheeling Park High School Wheeling, WV 26003
VICE PRESIDENT Steve Wamsley, Principal Tygarts Valley High School Mill Creek, WV 26280
Office:
304-335 -4575
MEMBER
Mike Kelley, Principal Herbert Hoover High School Elkview, WV 25071 Matt Adkins, Principal Cabell Midland High School Ona, WV 25545 Chad Quesenberry, Principal Oak Hill Middle School Oak Hill, WV 25901 David Viands, Athletic Director Jefferson High School Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442
Office:
304-965-3394
MEMBER
Office:
304-743-7400
MEMBER
Office:
304-469-3551
MEMBER
Office:
304-725-8491
MEMBER
Jared Billings, Member WV School Board Assoc. Gallipolis Ferry, WV 25515
Office:
304-346-0671
Troy Ravenscroft, Superintendent WV Association of School Administrators Mineral County, WV
MEMBER
Office:
304-788-4200
5
Office
304-281-1338
MEMBER
Dr. Jim Wilson
WV State Superintendent Designee Glen Dale, WV 26038
Robert Dunlevy
Office:
MEMBER
304-281-0529
WV State Board of Education 130 North 10 th Street Wheeling, WV 26003
Office:
304-485-5494
WAYNE RYAN, WVSSAC 2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Office:
304-485-5494
DAN COMER, WVSSAC
2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Office:
DR. JACLYN SWAYNE
304-485-5494
2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Office:
304-485-5494
CHRIS WELLS
2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg, WV 26104
DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE
Office:
304-485-5494
JASON BANKSTON 2875 Staunton Turnpike Parkersburg , WV 26104
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DEPUTY BOARD MEMBERS AND JURISDICTION
REGION ONE
PADEN MORRIS
TYLER CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL, SISTERSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Tyler and Wetzel
REGION TWO
DOTTIE SMITH
WIRT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, ELIZABETH, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood
REGION THREE
DAVID DECKER
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL, SHINNSTON, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor and Tucker
REGION FOUR
ORIE PANCIONE
FRANKFORT HIGH SCHOOL RIDGELEY, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton
REGION FIVE
KENDRA RAPP
NICHOLAS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, SUMMERSVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Barbour, Braxton, Clay, Lewis, Nicholas, Randolph, Upshur, and Webster
REGION SIX
KARI VICARS
SHADY SPRING HIGH SCHOOL, SHADY SPRING, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Fayette, Raleigh and Summers
REGION SEVEN
DEBBIE SAMS
JAMES MONROE HIGH SCHOOL, LINDSIDE, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas
REGION EIGHT
ANNA LILLY
PIKEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: McDowell, Mercer and Wyoming
REGION NINE
TOMMY CANTERBURY
DUPONT MIDDLE SCHOOL, BELLE, WEST VIRGINIA Counties: Boone, Kanawha, Mason and Putnam
REGION TEN
JOEDY CUNNINGHAM
HUNTINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, HUNTINGTON, West Virginia Counties: Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo and Wayne
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CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS COMMITTEE
JASON MARLING, Principal John Marshall High School Glen Dale, West Virginia
JIM CRAWFORD, Principal George Washington High School
Charleston, West Virginia
MARY LYNN WESTFALL, Principal
RYAN STAFFORD, Principal Woodrow Wilson High School
East Fairmont High School Fairmont, West Virginia
Beckley, West Virginia
MIKE COLLINS, Principal Bluefield High School Bluefield, West Virginia
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant
DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED: As required by federal laws and regulations, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, handicapping condition, marital status, or national origin to employment or in its programs and activities. Inquiries may be referred to Wayne Ryan, Executive Director, 2875 Staunton Turnpike, Parkersburg, WV 26104. NOTE: State and Federal laws include Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and other State and Federal laws and regulations governing students and employees. BELIEFS AND OBJECTIVES The Commission believes that a controlled activities program is a strong factor in the development of courage, personality, cooperation, and leadership. The Commission believes that representatives of a school should be good citizens of that school, hence the need for requirements and regulations governing eligibility that have been standardized. The Commission is designed to provide means for the unbiased and amicable settlement of disputes regarding activities.
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The Commission seeks to present proper ideals of sportsmanship so that coaches, players, school authorities, game officials, and spectators may combine to make any activity enjoyable and productive of physical and social benefits to both sides involved in the contest, with partisanship and prejudice eliminated as far as possible. To accomplish these objectives the Commission asks the cooperation of its members, all lovers of clean, wholesome activities, and all fans, young and old, who believe in our American system of interscholastics. HISTORICAL SKETCH The West Virginia High School Athletic Association was organized June 17, 1916, during a meeting of the West Virginia State Education Association. The original draft of the Constitution and Bylaws as formulated by Mr. R.J. Gorman, Charleston, West Virginia, was submitted to the principals of the high schools by Principal W.C. McKee of Charleston High School. The charter members were Bluefield, Charleston, Clarksburg (Washington Irving), Elkins, Fairmont West, Grafton, Huntington, Parkersburg, St. Marys, Sistersville and Wheeling. The first officers were: President, John G. Graham, Principal of Huntington High School; Vice President, Benjamin H. Williams, Principal of Beaver High School, Bluefield; and Secretary-Treasurer, H. P. Johns, Principal of Wheeling High School. The officers of the association were to be three in number; namely, a president, a vice president, and a secretary-treasurer. After a few minor changes of the original draft, the eleven charter member schools met and adopted the Constitution and Bylaws by an unanimous vote. The Association grew very rapidly during the ensuing years, and the work on the part of the secretary- treasurer especially became very burdensome. During these years on three or four occasions, moves were made to employ a full time executive secretary, a step that had been taken in several other states. However, on each occasion, such proposal was defeated. It was not until 1946 that the Board of Control of the Association realized that a principal of a member school could not serve his school in an acceptable manner and at the same time serve as secretary- treasurer of the High School Athletic Association. As a result of a meeting of the Board of Control held in Bluefield, West Virginia, on April 6, 1946, “the report of the Committee on the Executive Secretary was distributed to the members in mimeographed form, and on motion of Principal W. C. Whaley, East Fairmont, and seconded by Principal Robert L. Bryan, South Charles- ton, the report was accepted by a majority vote.” The report accepted was as follows: “The president, vice president and treasurer shall constitute a Board of Appeals, which board shall have authority to appoint an executive secretary to serve for a period of four years or during the will and pleasure of the Board of Appeals. The beginning salary of the executive secretary shall be three thousand four hundred dollars ($3,400) to four thousand dollars ($4,000).” Shortly after the meeting in Bluefield, the Board of Appeals met and employed William R. Fugitt as the first Executive Secretary of the West Virginia School Athletic Association, and Mr. Fugitt immediately set up his office in Beckley, West Virginia. Mr. Fugitt came into his new position well prepared for the work ahead. A graduate of Marshall College (AB) and the University of Cincinnati (MA), Mr. Fugitt began his career as an elementary principal. He then taught and coached at Proctorville, Ohio, and Dunbar, West Virginia, after which he served for four years as a high school principal in Beckley. From 1933 to 1937, Mr. Fugitt was Assistant County Superintendent of Raleigh County Schools. During Mr. Fugitt’s tenure as Executive Secretary of the Secondary School Activities Commission, he was elected President of the National Federation of State High School Associations, an organization in which some 20,000 senior and Middle School/9th Grade hold membership. During Mr. Fugitt’s tenure in office, the name of the Association was changed to that of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission. This took place in 1955. Mr. Fugitt passed away on November 3, 1959 and was succeeded by W. Gordon Eismon who, at that time, was a member of the Board of Appeals. The office was moved to Charles Town for a short time and then to Parkersburg upon Mr. Eismon’s relocation.
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Mr. Eismon was a graduate of Glenville State College (AB) and West Virginia University (MA). He served the Wirt County Board of Education for a period of 14 years as teacher, coach, principal, and county superintendent of schools before moving on to the principalship of Charles Town High School in Jefferson County. Mr. Eismon was in his 12th year as principal at Charles Town when appointed to the Executive Secretary position. During his tenure as Executive Secretary, he, like Mr. Fugitt, was elected President of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Mr. Eismon retired September 1, 1975 and was succeeded by Mr. Sam Williams who, at the time, was serving as West Virginia’s first Assistant Executive Secretary. Mr. Williams was educated at Glenville State College (AB) and received his MA at West Virginia University. He then became Principal of Wirt County High School and served in that capacity for ten years. From Wirt County, Mr. Williams moved to New Matamoras, Ohio, where he served as Executive Head of that school district for two years and moved on to St. Marys High to serve as principal for five years. For a period of twenty years, Mr. Williams was active as a football official in high schools and colleges in West Virginia and Ohio and was ranked as one of the top football officials in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. It was during his tenure that the Commission experienced tremendous growth, particularly in the area of girl’s sports and state level championships. The current WVSSAC office was also built during this time. Mr. Williams retired on January 1, 1986. Mr. Bill Hanlin became Executive Secretary on January 1, 1986, after serving as Assistant Executive Secretary since 1975. Mr. Hanlin was educated at Glenville State College (AB). He then coached football at Tyler County High School and Ashland High School, Ashland, Ohio. Mr. Hanlin entered the University of Maryland as a graduate assistant and earned his MA Degree. After receiving his MA at Maryland, he returned to St. Marys High School as football coach for nine years. He returned to Glenville State College as head coach in football from 1966 until 1975 before becoming the Assistant Executive Secretary. Important programs implemented during Mr. Hanlin’s tenure included the officials and schools rating systems, PROJECT TARGET, the Academic Achievement Awards and state-wide cheering competition. He also served on the National Federation of State High Schools Executive Committee as Vice President and was a member of the National Federation TARGET Executive Committee. Mr. Jim Hamrick assumed the Executive Secretary position on January 16, 1989. A graduate of Glenville State College (AB) and West Virginia University (MA), Mr. Hamrick began his career at his high school Alma Mater, Meadow Bridge High School. After teaching math and coaching there for three years, he moved to Rainelle High School where he was head coach of all sports for four years. From there he went to Clendenin High School for one year. During that time he was a member of the WVSSAC Board of Appeals, directed the State Track Meet and served on numerous other WVSSAC Committees. He was also a member of the National Federation Track Rules Committee on two occasions. From there he moved on to Herbert Hoover High School for seven years. In 1970 he was named as principal at Clendenin Junior High School where he served until 1989. For twenty-five years he served as a football, basketball, baseball and track official. He also directed numerous state basketball tournaments and was director of the state track meet for thirteen years. He retired in August 1992. Mr. Warren Carter assumed the position as Executive Secretary in September 1992. He had served as Assistant Executive Secretary since 1985. He graduated from Shepherd College (AB) and West Virginia University (MA). Mr. Carter taught at Charles Town and later assumed the principalship of Shepherdstown High School. He was the Principal at Jefferson High School at the time of his appointment to the WVSSAC staff. Prior to that time he had served as President of the Board of Appeals and as a member of the National Federation Executive Committee. Important programs expanded or implemented during Mr. Carter ’ s tenure included Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Program, NFICEP Coaches ’ Education, Regional Principals ’ Meetings, Girls ’ Sports, state championships in swimming and three-person officiating crews in basketball. He was also largely responsible for technology advancements such as computerized scanning of forms, office networking, and creation of a WVSSAC web site. He retired in December 1999. Ms. Janet Pannett was appointed Assistant Executive Secretary in January 1993. She was appointed Administrative Assistant of the WVSSAC in July 1986. Ms. Pannett was a graduate and former instructor and coach at West Liberty State College. She received her MA degree from West Virginia University. During her tenure, tremendous growth and development occurred in the girls program and implementation of state-wide competition in cheerleading. Mr. Gerald Trembush, Principal of Moundsville Jr. High School and past president of the WVSSAC Board of Appeals, was appointed Assistant Executive Secretary on May 1, 1993. He taught and served as Principal at Sherrard
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Jr. High School and in 1972 assumed the Assistant Principalship at John Marshall High School. He was appointed Principal at Moundsville Junior High School in 1984. Ms. Elizabeth W. Best, Assistant Principal of Jefferson High School, was appointed Assistant Executive Secretary on June 13, 1995. She graduated from Shepherd College (BS) and West Virginia University (MA). She taught mathematics and served as department head at Jefferson High School for eleven years. She was appointed Assistant Principal at Jefferson High School in 1988. Mr. C. W. “Butch” Powell, Athletic Director and Boys’ Basketball Coach of Nicholas County High School, was appointed Assistant Executive Secretary on August 5, 1997. He taught, coached, and served as athletic director at Kingwood High School from 1969 to 1974 and then assumed similar positions at Nicholas County High School from 1974-1997. Mr. Mike Hayden assumed the position as Executive Secretary in January 2000. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1960 and Morehead State University in 1965. He taught and coached for two years at Massillion High School and Fremont, OH for 1 year before returning to Parkersburg High School in 1968 as teacher/coach. He was head football coach at Parkersburg South High School from 1970-84 and Assistant Principal at Parkersburg High School from 1984-December 1999. He is a Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) and has a Masters Degree in Education Administration from West Virginia University. Mr. Gary W. Ray assumed the position as Executive Director in August 2007. He had served as Assistant Executive Director since May 26, 2001. He graduated from Glenville State College and received his Masters Degree from the WV College of Graduate Studies in 1979. He became athletic director and assistant principal of Oak Hill High School in 1978 and assumed the principalship in 1995. He served as Director of Schools in Fayette County. He was active with the WVSCA Coaches’ Association and the West Virginia Athletic Direc- tors’ Association. He has also been a member of the WVSSAC Board of Appeals, TARGET Committee, and WVSSAC Sportsmanship Committee. Miss Kelly Geddis was appointed Assistant Executive Director on October 17, 2002. She earned her teaching certification in English and Physical Education in 1981 and completed her Masters Degree in Sport Management and her Administration Certification from West Virginia University. She began her teaching career at Morgantown High School where she coached the sports of cheer, girls' basketball and boys' track. In 1987 she became Athletic Director and later served as an Assistant Principal. She has been an instructor for the WVSSAC Coaches Education Program since its inception in 1991 and is also an instructor for the American Association of Cheerleaders, Coaches and Advisors (AACCA). Mr. Ray Londeree, Principal at Valley (F) High School, was appointed Assistant Executive Director on March 15, 2007. He received his AB from Concord College and MS degree from WV College of Graduate Studies. He has served as principal at Oak Hill High School, Eastern Greenbrier Jr. High and Gauley Bridge High/Middle School. He also coached several sports and was athletic director at Valley, Mt. Hope and Oak hill High School. He has also been a member of the WVSSAC Board of Directors. Mr. Bernie Dolan assumed the position of Executive Director January 2016. He served as Assistant Executive Director from July 2015 till he took office in January 2016. He received his BA from West Virginia University and his Masters in Safety and Environmental Engineering. He also received a Professional Administration Certificate from Salem International University. He served as Deputy Superintendent in Ohio County. At Wheeling Park High School, he served as Principal, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Technology Coordinator and math instructor. He served as Director for the Super Six; Director of the State Golf Tournament; on the OVAC Executive Board; and on the WVADA Board of Directors. He has also been a member of the WVSSAC Board of Directors. Mr. Greg Reed, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, Martinsburg High School was appointed Assistant Executive Director in December 2015. He attended Glenville State College majoring in Secondary Education. He received his MA in Communication Studies from WVU and his Educational Leadership degree from Salem International University. He taught and coached at Nicholas County High School. He served as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Martinsburg High School since 2003. Mr. Wayne Ryan assumed the position of Assistant Executive Director in July, 2016. He served as Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Summers County High School. He received his Bachelors in Secondary Education from Alderson Broaddus and Masters in Communication from West Virginia University. He received his CAA certification from the NIAAA. He is also a member of the WBCA, NFHSCA, WVSACA, NIAAA and the WVADA. Dr. Cindy Daniel joined the WVSSAC staff in July 2018 as an Assistant Executive Director. A veteran educator with 34 years of experience in the West Virginia public school system, Dr. Daniel has served as a teacher, coach, curriculum supervisor, assistant principal, acting principal, and assistant superintendent before retiring in 2017 as the
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WV Deputy State Superintendent of Schools. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Multi-categorical Special Education from the University of Charleston, masters’ degrees in School Counseling and Leadership Studies from Marshall University, and her doctorate in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. Mr. David Price assumed the position of Executive Director on July 1, 2023. A Boone County native, David comes to the WVSSAC from the Raleigh County Board of Education where he served as Superintendent since 2014. The Marshall University graduate has been in education for 40 years. Price served as a teacher and coach, Assistant Principal and Principal, and Principal in Boone County schools before assuming the role of Raleigh County school administrator. He served on the Executive Committee for the West Virginia Secondary School Principals Association, was the Superintendent Representative for the WVSSAC Board of Review for the past five years, was Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Education Office of School improvement and Principal Leadership, and is a member of the West Virginia Coaches Association. Mr. Dan Comer joins the WVSSAC as Assistant Executive Director in July 2023. He received his BA in Physical Education and Safety from West Liberty State College and his MA and Educational Certificate from West Virginia University. Dan is a member of the WVADA and NIAAA where he earned his CAA. Dan served 38 years in Berkeley County Schools as a teacher, coach, and school and county administrator. His track teams won two WV AAA State Championships at Hedgesville. He was Spring Mills High School ’ s first athletic director and served his final two years as county coordinator for Health/Safety/Athletics. Comer earned WVSSAC and WVSACA Coach of the Year honors in 1995, 2003, and 2010. He earned the NIAAA Award of Merit in 2022 and the WVADA Athletic Director of the Year in 2023. As an experienced and well-respected leader in education, his experience, training, and knowledge will be an asset to the WVSSAC leadership. Mr. Chris Wells joined the WVSSAC staff in July 2025 as an Assistant Executive Director. Chris previously was from Ritchie County High School, where he served as principal and athletic director. He previously held roles as assistant principal and athletic director, physical education teacher, athletic trainer, and coach during his 18-year career at his alma mater. He earned three degrees from Marshall University—a B.A. in Athletic Training, an M.A.T. in Physical and Health Education, and a School Principalship Certificate—and became a National Certified Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA in 2020. Wells has been active in the Little Kanawha Conference and the West Virginia Athletic Director’s Association. Wells and his wife Lori are the parents of two children, Alexis and Grayson. Dr. Jaclyn Swayne came to the WVSSAC as an Assistant Executive Director in July 2025 following 21 years of service in Kanawha County Schools and most recently serving as principal of her alma mater, St. Albans High School, a role she has held since 2020. Her prior experience includes serving as Assistant Principal at both Capital High School and Sissonville Middle School. She began her career in 2004 as a teacher at Capital High School, where she also coached and advised several student organizations. She holds a Doctor of Education from Concordia University, a master’s in education administration from Grand Canyon University, and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Marshall University. She has been active in several statewide leadership organizations, including serving as President of the Kanawha County Secondary Principals Association and Vice President of the Mountain State Athletic Conference Board of Control. She is also a member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Charleston, W.Va. She and her husband, Scott, have three children: Isabella, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Mr. Jason Bankston, Director of Compliance, came to the WVSSAC in July 2025. Jason most recently served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Cabell Midland High School, where he managed one of the largest athletic programs in the state. Under his leadership, the school earned multiple state championships and back-to-back Gandy Awards for best overall athletic program in the Mountain State Athletic Conference. Earlier in his career, Bankston spent over a decade in the classroom, teaching in both Cabell and Wayne counties. He also has extensive coaching experience in football, baseball, wrestling, golf, and tennis at the middle and high school levels, including at Huntington High, Tug Valley, and Clarkston High School in Georgia. A Certified Athletic Administrator, Bankston is active in the West Virginia Athletic Directors Association and the NIAAA, where he serves on the national awards committee. Bankston is a graduate of Williamson High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University in 2006. He completed a Master’s in Multi-Categorical Special Education in 2012 and obtained a Leadership Studies Certification in 2018. He also holds the designation of Certified Athletic Administrator from the NIAAA.
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Mr. Wayne Ryan was named the Executive Director in May of 2025 and assumed the role on July 1, 2025, following nearly a decade of work on the WVSSAC staff. Ryan served as Associate Executive Director of the WVSSAC and previously held the role of Assistant Director from 2016 to 2023. In these positions, he has overseen multiple sports—football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, and track—and played a key role in structural improvements to sport administration and tournament processes. His responsibilities have also included sanctioning, ticketing, academic scholarships, awards, hotels, and school reimbursements. Throughout his career, Ryan has served in various leadership capacities, including president of the West Virginia Athletic Directors Association and member of the WVSSAC Board of Directors. He also contributed to the WVSSAC Basketball Coaches Advisory Committee, Basketball Restructuring Committee, and Technology Committee, and he served on the NFHS Officials Advisory Committee. A 1982 graduate of Hinton High School, Ryan was a standout multi-sport athlete and is a member of the Bobcat Hall of Fame. He played collegiate baseball at Alderson Broaddus, where he received the Phi Epsilon Outstanding Student Award in 1986. He later earned a master’s degree in communications from West Virginia University and a professional administration certification in educational leadership from Salem International University. He is also a Certified Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA. Ryan spent 30 years in the Summers County school system as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and assistant principal. As head coach of the Summers County girls’ basketball program, he led the team to six state championships—including five consecutive Class AA titles from 2007 to 2011—and a state-record 105-game winning streak. He was named the West Virginia State Coach of the Year by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association in 2010 and the West Virginia Athletic Director of the Year in 2015.
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REORGANIZATION AND LEGALIZATION
Prior to 1952, the Bylaws consisted of major rules to which had been added, over the years, explanations and rulings based upon interpretations and decisions of various Boards of Appeals. As a result of general acceptance and long usage, these explanations and interpretations acquired force and meaning comparable to the basic rules. Consequently, at the annual meeting of the Board of Control in 1952, official action was taken declaring that, because of usage, explanations and interpretations under the rules are a part of the rules. At the annual meeting in 1955 a constitution was adopted establishing authority for a reorganization to include all interscholastic activities and the changing of the name of the organization from the “West Virginia High School Athletic Association.” The reorganization provided for a division of the Bylaws into two separate parts: “The Athletic Bylaws” and “The Non-Athletic Activities Bylaws.” An act to amend Article 2, Chapter 18 of the Code of West Virginia of 1931 as amended by adding thereto a new section, designated Section 25, pertaining to The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission was enacted into law by the West Virginia Legislature on March 11, 1967. The new law created the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission as a legal entity, an arm of the county school boards. As such it is authorized by law to make rules and regulations and to adjudicate contested cases. Prior to the enactment of the law in 1967, the Commission’s scope of jurisdiction included supervision, control and regulation of all interscholastic extracurricular activities of the schools of its members. The law now limits the Commission’s scope of jurisdiction to interscholastic athletic events and band activities. The position of the Commission was further strengthened as the result of a decision rendered by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in a case styled, WEST VIRGINIA SECONDARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES COMMISSION v HARVEY OAKLEY, JUDGE, AND EDWARD LEE, dated September 1968. The decision rendered is long and need not be recounted here in its entirety. However, a few very significant statements from that decision are important enough to be included in this section on LEGALIZATION. (Boldface is pertinent. Points not necessarily in order in the decision). As a general rule courts should not interfere with the internal affairs of school activities commissions or associations. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission is still for all intents and purposes in the same position as it has been for the past fifty years; that is, that member schools eligible to participate may voluntarily do so, and after such participation, they agree to comply with the rules and regulations that have governed such organization in the past and will govern in the future. The organization has had rules for eligibility of students to participate in athletics or procedure for declaring such students ineligible to participate and for disciplinary procedures for member schools and for the review of such action or decision made by the officers of boards of the association or organization during its entire existence. Where such procedure is provided for in such organization or association the procedure must be followed and due process of law may be afforded administratively without the use of or application to the courts. (State ex. rel. Burchett v Taylor, 150 W.Va. 702, 149 S.E. 2d 234.) The question as to whether a student’s participation in interscholastic athletics is a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT or a PRIVILEGE was answered in litigation in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA, CHARLESTON, in a Civil Action case No. 79-2497 Harris vs. West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, et. al. On September 2, 1981, Chief Judge Dennis R. Knapp ruled: “The Supreme Court held that a student’s legitimate entitlement to an education is a property interest protected by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, Gross vs. Lopez, 419 U.S. 754; 95 S. Ct. 729 (1975). However, participating in interscholastic athletics is only a mere expectation rather than a constitutionally protected claim of entitlement and, thus, falls outside the protection of due process. Moreland v. Western Pennsylvania, 572 F. 2d 121 (3rd Cir. 1978). Even if the plaintiff’s due process arguments were well founded, the WVSSAC, in both its rules and actions, provided plaintiff with a sufficient review procedure that ultimately resulted in the relief sought.”
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Judge Knapp’s decision was appealed to the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT in Richmond, Virginia. On May 2, 1982, Senior Circuit Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. and Circuit Judges H. Emory Widener, Jr. and Robert F. Chapman agreed with and affirmed the District Court’s opinion. In June, 1987, a Petition for Writ of Mandamus was filed by A. James Manchin, Treasurer of State of West Virginia, asking that the WVSSAC comply with statutory requirements of state agencies and that the WVS- SAC deposit with the State Treasurer, within 24 hours, “all monies received or collected by them for or on behalf of the State for any purpose whatsoever.” The Supreme Court ruled and Justice McHugh wrote the opinion in December 1987. This opinion stated that “Funds received by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which operates pursuant to authority granted it by county boards of education under W.Va. Code 18-2-25 (1967), are quasi-public funds” as defined in W.Va. Code 18-5-13 (1987), and are to be accounted for in a manner similar to that provided for funds of county boards of education, but such funds are not to be accounted for under W.Va. Code 12-2-2 (1983) as “monies due the State.” Consequently, the Writ of Mandamus on behalf of Treasurer Manchin was denied. The Supreme Court ruled and Justice McHugh wrote the opinion in December 1987. This opinion stated that “Funds received by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which operates pursuant to authority granted it by county boards of education under W.Va. Code 18-2-25 (1967), are quasi-public funds” as defined in W.Va. Code 18-5-13 (1987), and are to be accounted for in a manner similar to that provided for funds of county boards of education, but such funds are not to be accounted for under W.Va. Code 12-2-2 (1983) as “monies due the State.” Consequently, the Writ of Mandamus on behalf of Treasurer Manchin was denied. The titles Executive Secretary, Assistant Executive Secretary and Board of Appeals were changed by the Board of Control in April 2002 to Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, and Board of Directors respectively. A partial list showing the number of member schools from 1931: The titles Executive Secretary, Assistant Executive Secretary and Board of Appeals were changed by the Board of Control in April 2002 to Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, and Board of Directors respectively. A partial list showing the number of member schools from 1931: Judge Knapp’s decision was appealed to the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT in Richmond, Virginia. On May 2, 1982, Senior Circuit Judge Clement F. Haynsworth, Jr. and Circuit Judges H. Emory Widener, Jr. and Robert F. Chapman agreed with and affirmed the District Court’s opinion. In June, 1987, a Petition for Writ of Mandamus was filed by A. James Manchin, Treasurer of State of West Virginia, asking that the WVSSAC comply with statutory requirements of state agencies and that the WVS- SAC deposit with the State Treasurer, within 24 hours, “all monies received or collected by them for or on behalf of the State for any purpose whatsoever.”
A partial list showing the number of member schools from 1931:
A partial list showing the number of member schools from 1931:
1931–135 1932–193 1933–195 1934–198 1935–196 1936–205 1937–212 1938–218 1939–215 1940–219 1941–220 1942–221 1943–214
1944–214 1945–214 1946–219 1947–221 1948–222 1949–226 1950–228 1951–287* 1952–287 1953–289 1954–290 1955–291 1956–296
1957–305 1958–318 1959–320 1960–320 1961–318 1962–321 1963–328 1964–333 1965–334 1966–333 1967–332 1968–327 1969–317
1970–320+ 1971–323 1972–318 1973–322 1974–322 1975–320 1976–313 1977–312 1978–310 1979–311 1980–313 1981–311 1982–311
1983–313 1984–321 1985–314 1986–313 1987–316 1988–316 1989–318 1990–327 1991–320 1992–306 1993–306 1994–306 1995–307
1996–308 1997–307 1998–304 1999–304 2000–304 2001–306 2002–300 2003–296 2004–299 2005–297 2006–297 2007–292 2008–292
2009–301
1931–135 1932–193 1933–195 1934–198 1935–196 1936–205 1937–212 1938–218 1939–215 1940–219 1941–220 1942–221 1943–214
1944–214 1945–214 1946–219 1947–221 1948–222 1949–226 1950–228 1951–287* 1952–287 1953–289 1954–290 1955–291 1956–296
1957–305 1958–318 1959–320 1960–320 1961–318 1962–321 1963–328 1964–333 1965–334 1966–333 1967–332 1968–327 1969–317
1970–320+ 1971–323 1972–318 1973–322 1974–322 1975–320 1976–313 1977–312 1978–310 1979–311 1980–313 1981–311 1982–311
1983–313 1984–321 1985–314 1986–313 1987–316 1988–316 1989–318 1990–327 1991–320 1992–306 1993–306 1994–306 1995–307
1996–308 1997–307 1998–304 1999–304 2000–304 2001–306 2002–300 2003–296 2004–299 2005–297 2006–297 2007–292 2008–292
2009–301
2010-293 2011-287 2012-287 2013-288 2014-288 2015-288 2016-288 2017-288 2018-289
2010-293 2011-287 2012-287 2013-288 2014-288 2015-288 2016-288 2017-288 2018-289 2019-285 2020-285 2021-285 2022-286 2023-286 2024-286
2019-285 2020-285 2021-285 2022-286 2023-286 2024-286
*Hereafter this figure includes Middle School/9th Grade as members. +Hereafter this number also includes Private and Parochial School Members.
*Hereafter this figure includes Middle School/9th Grade as members. +Hereafter this number also includes Private and Parochial School Members.
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS The National Federation consists of the fifty individual state high school athletic and/or activities associations and the association of the District of Columbia. Also affiliated are nine interscholastic organizations from the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland-Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Quebec as well as the Canadian School Sports Federation and the associations of the Republic of the Philippines, Guam and Saint Thomas. These associations have united to secure the benefits of cooperative action which eliminates unnecessary duplication of effort and increases efficiency through the pooling and coordinating of ideas of all who are engaged in the administration of high school athletic and activities programs. ORIGIN AND GROWTH The national organization had its beginning in a meeting at Chicago on May 14, 1920. L.W. Smith, secretary of the Illinois High School Athletic Association, issued invitations to neighboring states, and state association representatives came from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss problems which had resulted from high school contests which were organized by colleges and universities or by other clubs or promoters. In many cases, little attention was paid to the eligibility rules of the high school associations or to The national organization had its beginning in a meeting at Chicago on May 14, 1920. L.W. Smith, secretary of the Illinois High School Athletic Association, issued invitations to neighboring states, and state association representatives came from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss problems which had resulted from high school contests which were organized by colleges and universities or by other clubs or promoters. In many cases, little attention was paid to the eligibility rules of the high school associations or to These associations have united to secure the benefits of cooperative action which eliminates unnecessary duplication of effort and increases efficiency through the pooling and coordinating of ideas of all who are engaged in the administration of high school athletic and activities programs. ORIGIN AND GROWTH NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS The National Federation consists of the fifty individual state high school athletic and/or activities associations and the association of the District of Columbia. Also affiliated are nine interscholastic organizations from the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland-Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Quebec as well as the Canadian School Sports Federation and the associations of the Republic of the Philippines, Guam and Saint Thomas.
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