Petition to Amend OSHAA Bylaw 4-3-1 to Include an Exception for Performing Arts Students

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition for an amendment to Bylaw 4-3-1 to create a fair and reasonable exception for students enrolled in specialized performing arts schools.

Background:
Bylaw 4-3-1 currently restricts students from participating in interscholastic athletics at a public school other than the one they are enrolled in. While intended to maintain fairness, this rule unintentionally disadvantages students who attend performing arts schools, which often do not sponsor athletic programs. These students are forced to sacrifice athletic opportunities simply because they have chosen to pursue their education in the arts.

Our Request:
We propose that Bylaw 4-3-1 be amended to allow:

Students enrolled in performing arts schools to participate in interscholastic sports not offered by their current school, at the public school located in their parents’ district of residence.
Rationale:

This change would ensure equity by allowing students access to both arts and athletics without being forced to choose one over the other.
It maintains competitive balance, since students would only join sports programs not available at their performing arts school.
It honors the commitment families make to both their school district and their child’s specialized education.
It supports the holistic development of young people, who should have the opportunity to grow artistically and athletically.
Our Position:
Performing arts students should not be penalized for pursuing their passions. They deserve the same right to represent their home district in athletics as they do to pursue excellence in the arts. Amending Bylaw 4-3-1 will strengthen inclusivity, fairness, and opportunity for all.

We, the undersigned, urge OHSAA to amend Bylaw 4-3-1 to include this exception for performing arts students.

News update: 

Why Limit This to Just Ice Hockey?
Under current rules for Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.536:
 
(A) The superintendent of any school district may afford a student enrolled in another school district the opportunity to participate in ice hockey as an interscholastic athletic activity at a school of the superintendent's district if all of the following conditions apply:
(1) The school district in which the student is enrolled does not offer ice hockey as an interscholastic athletic activity.
(2) The school district in which the student is enrolled is located less than twenty miles away from the superintendent's school district.
(3) The superintendents of both school districts enter into an agreement approving the student's participation.
This makes sense — no student should be denied the opportunity to pursue their sport simply because their home district doesn’t offer it. But here’s the issue: why should this only apply to ice hockey?
  Imagine this same framework applied to all sports that a student’s school does not offer. If a district lacks lacrosse, field hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, or any other interscholastic athletic program, students should have the same right to seek out nearby opportunities.
The existing structure already provides:
No requirement to switch schools or residency
Equal academic, nonacademic, and financial obligations
The need to try out and earn a spot, just like anyone else
Expanding this beyond ice hockey would:
  Promote fairness and equal access
  Support student growth, wellness, and teamwork
  Strengthen community ties between districts
  Ensure students aren’t limited by geography or school budgets
If the intent is to support students and their athletic pursuits, then the law should reflect that all sports matter, not just one.
 
Link to Section 3313.536 : https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3313.536/9-30-2025