The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) has officially applied for membership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

Through its membership in the NFHS, AISA aims to strengthen collaboration and standardization among member schools and their athletic programs, making significant strides toward the advancement of high school sports and activities.

“Although Alabama has limited competitive options for years, the AHSAA Management Committee supports our NFHS membership application and allows our members to compete with our members if they wish.” AISA Executive Director Michael McClendon said, “By giving middle school and high school students more local opponents, we hope to support competitive options.'' “Not only will this result in improved performance, competitive selection will lift community spirits and increase local interest in each school and program.” .

Of the 19 Southeastern states surveyed, only Alabama and Louisiana do not allow competitive selection between associations within their respective states.

“The more we researched each state and learned about the different relationships that associations within each state shared, the more disappointed and dismayed we were that Alabama continued this practice. In every state in the U.S., competitive choice has shown positive outcomes, including reduced travel time and increased instructional time for student-athletes, enhanced competitive opportunities, and stronger communities through competition between local public and independent schools. I see what I brought to the table,” McClendon said.

The application is currently subject to approval by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Administrative Board. If approved, the application will be submitted to her NFHS regional committee, which will make the final decision on the AISA application. The AHSAA, Alabama's main governing body for high school sports, is scheduled to meet Wednesday to consider AISA's request.

With renewed optimism, AISA looks forward to a positive outcome that will usher in a new chapter of cooperation and collaboration within Alabama and the broader region. The Association is steadfast in its mission to provide an exemplary experience for student-athletes and believes NFHS's affiliated membership and competitive options are fundamental to this pursuit.

A recent update to the AHSAA bylaws allows its members to compete against out-of-state opponents who are affiliated members of the NFHS, including members of the Mid-South Independent School Association (formerly the Mississippi Independent School Association) and the Mid-South Independent School Association. became. The South Association of Homeschool Athletics is an association of homeschool athletic programs in Mississippi and Alabama. This expanded opportunity for AHSAA members to compete with Mississippi homeschool and private school organizations is a richer and richer opportunity that should be valued in Mississippi as much as competition with out-of-state associations. Create exciting sports stories.

AISA's efforts to become an associate member of the NFHS date back to 2013, when its bid was not approved by Section 3, a regional division within the NFHS representing eight southern states. AISA has remained steadfast in its determination to advance interscholastic competition in line with national standards by continuing to adhere to NFHS rules and procedures.

AISA's continued efforts reflect AISA's dedication to enhancing competitive opportunities, ensuring a consistent quality experience for student-athletes, and building partnerships with other NFHS members and affiliated members. doing. Approval by the AHSAA Central Management Board and NFHS Regional Committees is an important step toward realizing these goals, promoting competitive options and fostering collaboration between AISA and AHSAA.