Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) is a nonprofit, voluntary organization established to regulate and manage interscholastic sports among its member high schools in Tennessee. It is recognized as a self-supported entity conceived by educators to foster sportsmanship and cooperative spirit among its members.

History and Structure

The TSSAA was formed to provide leadership and coordination for the administration of interscholastic athletics. It includes both public and private high schools, totaling around 345 member schools. The association is governed by a board that includes representatives from various regions across Tennessee.

Mission

The TSSAA aims to enhance the educational experiences of students by providing equitable opportunities, positive recognition, and learning experiences while maximizing the achievement of educational goals. It emphasizes that the primary objective of all secondary schools is to educate youth and seeks to align athletic programs with this objective.

Activities and Operations

The TSSAA oversees a range of sports for both boys and girls, including football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse. It organizes championships and playoff events at the state level, ensuring fair competition among schools. The association also enforces rules, such as antirecruiting policies, to maintain a fair and balanced environment for student-athletes.

Legal Framework

In a notable court case, Brentwood Academy v. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the enforcement of TSSAA’s antirecruiting rule constituted state action under certain conditions. This ruling highlighted the complex relationship between state action and voluntary associations in sports regulation.

Financials

The TSSAA operates as a nonprofit organization, supported through membership dues and other financial means. However, detailed financial information is not publicly disclosed in the available sources.

Impact on Education

The TSSAA's role in promoting interscholastic sports is designed to support the educational mission of secondary schools. By coordinating athletic programs, it seeks to ensure that sports activities complement academic goals and promote overall student development.