Greetings from the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA)
Our mission is to govern participation and competition in an equitable, safe, and sportsmanlike manner so that the experience of the student-athlete, school community, and all relative support systems are education-centered and truly an extension of the classroom.
CHSAA is a voluntary member organization made up of 373 public and private schools that serve over 225,000 students who participate in more than 33 sanctioned athletic and activity programs. Our Association is governed by a Constitution and Bylaws—guiding documents that are continually evaluated, edited, and voted upon by a Board of Directors and a Legislative Council, both of which are made up of elected or appointed representatives from our member schools, local school boards, the Colorado State Legislature, and various other educational and business entities from across the state. The Commissioner and all CHSAA administrators are accountable to the Board of Directors and the membership and are ultimately responsible for applying and upholding the membership’s bylaws and constitutional procedures.
The Purpose and Value of Educationally Based Athletics and Activities
High school athletics and activities are much more than games, performances, or competitions—they are extensions of the classroom that teach lessons no textbook can fully capture. Participation in these programs helps students build resilience, manage adversity, lead and serve others, and learn the importance of respect, teamwork, and accountability.
When we describe CHSAA programs as educationally based, we mean that every experience—whether on the field, stage, court, or classroom—is intentionally designed to support a student’s growth as both a learner and a person. Winning and competition are highly valued parts of the experience, but they are not the ultimate purpose of participation. Rather, our purpose is to help students develop the habits and character traits that prepare them for success in school, career, and life.
Research consistently shows that students involved in educationally based activities have higher grade point averages, attend school more regularly, feel more connected to their peers and community, engage in fewer risky behaviors, and report stronger overall well-being. These programs create belonging, build confidence, and connect students to caring adults who help guide their journey through adolescence.
Important Information About High School Participation
The CHSAA administrative team would like to provide some insights and information that can assist you as your student enters the exciting world of high school activities and athletics. Participation in co-curricular programs is one of the best ways your student can get involved, be connected, and develop critical life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.
Colorado is a “choice” state when it comes to enrolling in high school. What does that mean for athletics? An 8th grader can pursue enrollment in any high school with no athletic penalties upon first entry. Please note that some school districts have specific enrollment policies that may restrict your son’s/daughter’s attendance in those districts. Contact the school district’s registrar’s office or athletic/activity director for more detailed information.
Your student’s initial choice of high school is an important one and will be based on multiple factors, the most important of which should be academic programming. Please note that once your son/daughter practices, tries out, scrimmages, and/or competes at your high school of choice, they have then established their eligibility at that high school. Should your student decide to transfer to a different high school, CHSAA bylaws could restrict participation at the varsity level based on the circumstances of the transfer.
Staying Connected
We encourage you to contact your future high school’s athletic or activity director, who can provide specific and detailed information regarding participation requirements and procedures.
