IESA Headlines

IESA Becomes Eligible For NFHS Affiliate Member Status

At its National Council Meeting July 1, 2007, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approved an amendment to its Constitution that will allow the Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) to be an affiliate member of NFHS.

The change in the NFHS Constitution provides that a state middle school or junior high school athletic/activity association is eligible for affiliate membership provided that the voting member from such state (the respective state's high school association) approves.

"We are thrilled that the National Council amended the Constitution so that we can become an affiliate member of the NFHS," said IESA Executive Director Steve Endsley. "Affiliate membership brings credence to our purpose and provides IESA with national recognition. I personally want to thank IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman for submitting the amendment to the National Federation for consideration."

The active members of NFHS are the 50 state high school athletic/activity associations, plus the District of Columbia. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) is one of the 50 active members.

IESA will begin the process of applying for affiliate membership immediately. Affiliate members of NFHS may participate in NFHS meetings and activities, but do not have voting privileges or eligibility for elected or appointed offices or assignments. IESA is the only state activities association of grade, middle and/or junior high schools in America that is a separate entity from the state high school association.

Once approved as an affiliate member, IESA will join 21 other organizations or associations on the NFHS affiliate roster.

IESA member schools use the NFHS playing rules for regular season and state series athletic and activity contests. IESA also endorses and utilizes the programs and services of NFHS.