By Paige Orr, Fox23 News
OKLAHOMA CITY – A new bill at the Oklahoma State Capitol could completely dissolve the organization that has governed high school sports in the state for decades.
Senate Bill 1890, authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, would eliminate the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and replace it with a new state-run entity called the Oklahoma Athletics and Activities Commission.
The legislation comes after Gov. Kevin Stitt called out OSSAA during his State of the State address Monday, characterizing it as “unelected and unaccountable.”
“At the end of it all, a student can transfer to a new school, but if they want to excel in athletics, their opportunity may be blocked by an unelected and unaccountable High School sports association, the OSSAA,” Stitt said.
Murdock said OSSAA has lost sight of its mission.
“I think the OSSAA has forgotten who they are working for and it’s for the kids, the betterment of our kids’ athletics,” Murdock said. “What it’s looked like to me for the last several years, I think all they’re concerned about is making money and they’re putting money over our children of Oklahoma.”
The senator pointed to ongoing frustrations with the organization, including last fall when five Glencoe High School basketball players had to sue OSSAA just to play after the organization said they violated transfer rules. A judge sided with the students.
Glencoe families file lawsuit after OSSAA rules 4 high school basketball players ineligible for upcoming season
“Their parents had to hire a lawyer and go to court just to get to play at their new school. That is unacceptable,” Stitt said during his address. “Your ability to play sports shouldn’t be contingent on your parent’s ability to afford an attorney.”
Under SB 1890, the new Oklahoma Athletics and Activities Commission would be made up of 19 members, including school administrators, athletic directors and parents from both large and small public and private schools across the state. Members would be appointed by the governor, Senate president pro tempore and House speaker.
The commission would be subject to Oklahoma’s Open Meeting Act and Open Records Act, addressing transparency concerns raised by critics.
“We’re putting people on this commission that has been in the trenches,” Murdock said. “They know what’s going on in our schools. They know what’s going on with kids’ lives and if they have to move or different situations.”
OSSAA responded to the criticism Monday with a statement defending its structure. The organization said it is a “member-driven organization governed by the 482 Oklahoma schools that voluntarily choose to join the association.”
“The OSSAA Board of Directors is composed entirely of elected school leaders – Superintendents, Principals and Athletic Directors – who are chosen by their peers to represent them,” the statement read.
OSSAA Executive Director David Jackson said he was disappointed Stitt didn’t reach out to learn more about how the organization operates.
“While we are disappointed that Governor Stitt did not reach out to learn more about how the OSSAA operates, we welcome the opportunity to visit with him at any time,” Jackson said. “We would be glad to help him better understand our member-governed structure and the work our schools do collectively to support students across Oklahoma.”
Tulsa Public Schools Athletic Director Mick Wilson said the focus should remain on students regardless of what changes may come.
“At the end of the day, they’re in the best interest of kids,” Wilson said. “That’s what we’re trying to do here is educate kids.”
The bill also repeals an existing law that forces many students transferring districts to sit out for a year before participating in school sports or other regulated activities.
If passed, the new commission would begin overseeing secondary school activities in the 2027-2028 school year.
SB 1890 is awaiting a hearing before the Senate Education Committee. No date has been set.
You can view the full bill with this story below…
