OHSAA requests schools not sign petition to split

The Ohio High School Athletic Association has sent “a memo and brochure” to member schools requesting that they not sign a petition to separate public and private schools in state tournaments. If enough school principals sign the petition, a proposal to split the tournaments could be placed on the May 2014 OHSAA ballot.

The OHSAA and its Competitive Balance Committee have vigorously opposed the separation of public and private schools for state tournaments. Previous survey results have found that private schools win a disproportionate amount of state championships.

It’s thought that private schools – mostly Catholic – would break way from the OHSAA and form their own association if a split in the tournaments were enforced.

A Competitive Balance Committee proposal has twice been rejected by association members the last two years. A third proposal will likely be submitted in January and voted on in May.

“We are confident that … a viable solution will be found that adequately levels the playing field for our student athletes and member schools,” said OHSAA Commissioner Dr. Dan Ross in the memo.

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