40 Facts About Osaa Football

OSAA Football Structure and Season

OSAA football is a cornerstone of high school sports in Oregon. The structure and season dates are meticulously planned to ensure fair competition and player safety.

1. OSAA Football Structure: The OSAA oversees multiple classifications of football, including 6-player, 8-player, 9-player, and 11-player teams. Each classification has its own set of rules and regulations to ensure fair competition.

2. Season Dates: The OSAA football season typically starts in late August and runs through early November, with the state championships taking place in late November. The exact dates can vary from year to year.

Rules and Regulations

The OSAA adopts rules from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and has its own set of policies to ensure a safe and fair playing environment.

3. NFHS Rule Changes: The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) introduces rule changes each year, which the OSAA adopts to ensure compliance with national standards. These changes aim to improve player safety and enhance the overall game experience.

4. OSAA Football Rules and Policies: The OSAA publishes a comprehensive plan book that includes OSAA football rules and policies, state championship information, and qualifications. This document is essential for all coaches and athletic directors to ensure they are aware of the latest regulations.

State Championships and Field Dimensions

State championships are the pinnacle of high school football in Oregon, and the field dimensions are standardized to maintain fairness.

5. State Championship Information: The OSAA state championships are highly competitive events where the best teams from each classification compete for the title. The championships are typically held at a neutral site to ensure fairness and safety.

6. Field Dimensions: All classifications use the traditional 100-yard field, regardless of the number of players. This consistency ensures that teams are competing on an even playing field.

Safety Guidelines

Player safety is a top priority for the OSAA, with strict guidelines for air quality and heat index levels.

7. Air Quality Guidelines: The OSAA has strict air quality guidelines to ensure player safety. Schools are allowed to participate in contests up to an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 150, but they should consider rescheduling if the AQI is between 101-150. Outdoor events are canceled when the AQI reaches 151.

8. Heat Index: The OSAA also considers heat index levels when scheduling games. Schools must ensure that players are not exposed to excessive heat, which can lead to heat-related illnesses.

Weekly Updates and Equipment Regulations

Regular updates and strict equipment regulations help maintain the integrity of the game.

9. State Rule Interpreter Updates: The OSAA provides weekly updates to coaches regarding rule interpretations, enforcement procedures, and general comments on various issues. These updates help maintain consistency in the application of rules across different games.

10. Equipment Violation Procedure: The OSAA has a strict equipment violation procedure to ensure that players are properly equipped. This includes guidelines for jerseys, shoulder pads, knee pads, and other protective gear. Any violation can result in penalties or even disqualification from the game.

Policies and Statements

The OSAA adheres to various policies to promote fairness and sportsmanship in high school football.

11. Non-Discrimination Policy: The OSAA adheres to a non-discrimination policy, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, or disability. This policy is enforced at all OSAA-sanctioned events.

12. Sportsmanship Statement: The OSAA emphasizes sportsmanship in all interscholastic activities. Coaches, players, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes positive recognition and learning experiences for students.

Classification and Enrollment

Schools can petition to play in different classifications, and their enrollment numbers are carefully calculated.

13. Petition to Play Up: Member schools seeking to play in a higher classification than assigned must submit a "Petition to Play Up" to the OSAA. This petition must be completed and submitted before the final meeting of the Classification and Districting Committee preceding the quadrennial December Classification and Districting Meeting.

14. Placement in a Different Classification: A member school can be placed in a different classification than its adjusted base number enrollment dictates. However, this placement is only for football and lasts for two years. Schools placed at a lower classification are reviewed annually by the Football Ad Hoc Committee.

15. Computation of Average Daily Membership (ADM): A school's ADM for classification purposes consists of an average of its base number minus the school's SES factor for the entirety of the school year. This calculation helps determine the school's classification.

Historical Achievements and Notable Coaches

Oregon high school football has a rich history, with many notable achievements and influential coaches.

16. Historical Achievements: Oregon high school football has a rich history, with many notable achievements. For example, Mike Hass's seven-touchdown performance against Central Catholic in 2000 remains an OSAA record for a receiver.

17. Notable Coaches: Coaches like Frank Geske, who was let go from Marist Catholic but has a deep connection with many of the Springfield Spartans, play significant roles in shaping the teams' performances. His experience and leadership are crucial in guiding the team to victories.

Player and Team Performances

Individual player performances and team dynamics are critical to the success of OSAA football.

18. Player Performances: Players like Anthony Alimenti from Elkton, who completed 12 of 24 passes for 275 yards and six touchdowns, are key contributors to their teams' success. His performance in Week 2 was instrumental in Elkton's 40-20 victory over Days Creek.

19. Team Performances: Teams like Scappoose, which has turned more to its passing game after losing standout senior running back Warren Haatia to a torn ACL, show resilience and adaptability. Despite the loss, they managed to capitalize on their passing game and secure wins.

20. Quarterback Performances: Quarterbacks like Max Nowlin from Scappoose, who completed 64.5% of his passes for 1,861 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2022, are crucial to their teams' success. His performance in the 2023 season has been impressive, with 41 completions out of 57 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns.

Coaching Experience and Team Spirit

Experienced coaches and strong team spirit are essential for success in OSAA football.

21. Coaching Experience: Coaches like Kenzie Hansell from Weston-McEwen/Griswold, who led the team to a 7-6 victory over top-ranked Oakland, demonstrate their coaching prowess. Their experience and strategic thinking are essential in winning crucial games.

22. Team Spirit: The team spirit and camaraderie among players are evident in games like the one between Springfield and Marist Catholic. Emotions ran high, and the atmosphere was electric, reflecting the dedication and passion of the players and coaches.

Rivalries and Player Development

Rivalries add excitement to the game, and player development is crucial for future success.

23. Rivalries: Rivalries like the one between Jesuit and Central Catholic are legendary in Oregon high school football. These games often attract large crowds and are highly anticipated events.

24. Player Development: Players like Mike Hass, who went on to play for Oregon State after his high school career, demonstrate the potential for development and growth in high school football. His achievements set a high standard for future players.

Coaching Legacy and Team Dynamics

Coaching legacies and team dynamics play significant roles in the success of OSAA football teams.

25. Coaching Legacy: Coaches like McNabb from Scappoose, who has been coaching for over two decades, leave a lasting legacy. His experience and leadership have contributed significantly to the team's success and the development of young players.

26. Team Dynamics: The dynamics within a team are crucial for success. Coaches like McNabb emphasize the importance of teamwork and player response, as seen in Scappoose's performance despite being thin in some areas and facing fatigue issues.

Injuries and Player Adaptability

Injuries can impact a team's performance, but player adaptability is key to overcoming challenges.

27. Injury Impact: Injuries like the one suffered by Warren Haatia from Scappoose can significantly impact a team's performance. The loss of a key player forces the team to adapt and find new strategies to succeed.

28. Player Adaptability: Players like Max Nowlin from Scappoose show remarkable adaptability. Despite the loss of their standout running back, they managed to capitalize on their passing game and secure wins.

Coaching Philosophy and Team Effort

Coaching philosophies and team effort are essential for success in high school football.

29. Coaching Philosophy: Coaches like Frank Geske from Springfield emphasize the importance of player poise and composure under pressure. His philosophy is reflected in the team's performance, where players like Nolan Keeney have shown impressive poise.

30. Team Effort: The team effort is essential for success in high school football. Coaches like Kenzie Hansell from Weston-McEwen/Griswold emphasize the importance of believing in each other and working together towards a common goal.

Game Strategy and Player Development Programs

Effective game strategies and player development programs are crucial for success in OSAA football.

31. Game Strategy: Game strategy is critical in high school football. Coaches like McNabb from Scappoose often spread the offense early to capitalize on their passing game, as seen in their Week 2 performance.

32. Player Development Programs: The OSAA offers various programs to develop young players. These programs aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of coaches and players, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the game.

Safety Protocols and Rule Interpretations

Strict safety protocols and consistent rule interpretations help maintain the integrity of OSAA football.

33. Safety Protocols: The OSAA has strict safety protocols in place to protect players. These include guidelines for air quality, heat index, and equipment usage to minimize the risk of injuries.

34. Rule Interpretations: The OSAA provides regular updates on rule interpretations to ensure consistency in the application of rules across different games. This helps maintain fairness and integrity in the sport.

Certification and Equipment Violations

Certification of athletic staff and strict equipment violation penalties ensure a safe and fair playing environment.

35. Certification of Athletic Directors and Coaches: Any person located within the team box or press box who has the potential to provide instruction must be certified. This includes individuals acting in support roles, excluding those providing medical support during a contest.

36. Equipment Violation Penalties: Equipment violations can result in penalties or even disqualification from the game. The OSAA has a strict procedure for addressing such violations to maintain the integrity of the game.

Disciplinary Actions and Complaint Process

The OSAA takes disciplinary actions seriously and has a complaint process to address concerns.

37. Disciplinary Actions: The OSAA takes disciplinary actions against schools engaging in discriminatory behaviors or disruptive activities. This ensures that all events remain safe and respectful for all participants.

38. Complaint Process: The OSAA has an online complaint process for addressing incidents involving discrimination or discriminatory harassment. This process ensures that all concerns are addressed promptly and fairly.

Mission and Sportsmanship Statements

The OSAA's mission and sportsmanship statements emphasize the importance of interscholastic activities and character development.

39. OSAA Mission Statement: The OSAA mission is to serve member schools by providing leadership and state coordination for the conduct of interscholastic activities. These activities enrich the educational experiences of high school students while enhancing the achievement of educational goals.

40. OSAA Sportsmanship Statement: Interscholastic activities are integral to the educational curriculum and experience. The OSAA emphasizes sportsmanship, promoting character development and positive recognition among participants.

The Heart of OSAA Football

OSAA football is more than just a game; it's a community, a tradition, and a proving ground for young athletes. From the strict safety protocols to the rich history of achievements, every aspect is designed to foster growth and sportsmanship. Coaches like Frank Geske and players like Mike Hass set high standards, while the OSAA's non-discrimination policy ensures everyone gets a fair shot. The state championships are the pinnacle of competition, showcasing the best of Oregon's high school football talent. Whether it's adapting to rule changes, dealing with injuries, or celebrating victories, OSAA football embodies resilience and teamwork. The mission to enrich educational experiences through sports is evident in every game, every practice, and every touchdown. OSAA football isn't just about winning; it's about building character, fostering community, and creating lifelong memories.