other school group regulations, and chaotic conditions had developed. At this first meeting it was decided that the welfare of the high schools required a more active part in the control of such athletic activities be exercised by the high school through the state associations, and this control necessitated the formation of a national organization. A Constitution and Bylaws were adopted and the group decided on the name “Midwest Federation of State High School Athletic Association.” Principal George Edward Marshall, Davenport, Iowa, was elected president and Principal L.W. Smith of Joliet, Illinois, was elected secretary-treasurer. In 1921, four states — Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin — continued their interest and became charter members through formal ratification of the constitution. Largely due to their efforts, the national organization grew during the early years. In 1922, the Chicago annual meeting was attended by representatives from eleven states, and the name of the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations was adopted. A number of college and university representatives who attended the meeting expressed sympathy for and interest in the efforts to introduce a high degree of order in the regulation of interscholastic contests. Since that time, the National Federation has had a healthy growth to its present nationwide membership. By 1940, a national office with a full-time executive staff became necessary, and such office was established in September of that year. The legislative body is the National Council made up of one representative from each member state association. Each representative must be a state association chief executive officer or governing board member. The executive body is the Executive Committee of twelve members from the eight territorial sections as outlined in the Constitution. Their election is by the National Council at its summer meeting. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY The purpose of the National Federation of State High School Associations is to coordinate the efforts of its member state associations toward the ultimate objectives of interscholastic activities. It shall provide a means for state high school associations to cooperate in order to enhance and protect their interscholastic programs. In order to accomplish this, the National Federation is guided by a philosophy consistent with the accepted purposes of secondary education. Member state associations’ programs must be administered in accordance with the following basic beliefs:
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