Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
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Abbreviation | WIAA |
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Formation | 1905, 111 years ago |
Type | Volunteer; NPO |
Legal status | Association |
Purpose | Athletic/Educational |
Headquarters |
435 Main Avenue South Renton, WA 98057 |
Coordinates | 47°28′37″N 122°12′18″W / 47.477°N 122.205°WCoordinates: 47°28′37″N 122°12′18″W / 47.477°N 122.205°W |
Region served | Washington |
Official language | English |
Executive Director | Mike Colbrese |
Affiliations | National Federation of State High School Associations |
Staff | 15 |
Website | wiaa.com |
Remarks | (425) 687-8585 |
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) is the governing body of athletics and activities for secondary education schools in the state of Washington. As of February 2011, the private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consists of nearly 800 member high schools and middle/junior high schools, both public and private.[1]
Purpose
Founded in 1905 to "create equitable playing conditions"[1] between member teams, the WIAA plans and supervises interscholastic sports and activities approved and delegated by the various school district boards of directors. The organization emphasizes the importance of interscholastic sports and activities in the "total educational process"[1] while recognizing that education is the primary responsibility of its member schools.
The WIAA creates and governs rules to establish uniformity of standards in sports and activities; to protect the safety and health of students; to shield students from exploitation by special interest groups; to provide fair and equal opportunities to all students participating; and to encourage good sportsmanship. A stated goal of the organization is to promote diversity of its membership at all levels.[1]
The organization also provides member schools an open channel of communication with other members to organize any events and activities, as well as to resolve any issues. In addition, the WIAA recognizes achievement and excellence of member teams and individuals participating in sports and activities.
Funding
Primary funding for the WIAA is through ticket sales for state championships and other events.[1] Additional funds are secured through corporate sponsorships, memberships fees, and small percentages of the sales of merchandise related to the organization and its member schools. As a private organization, the WIAA does not receive funding via tax dollars and is not financially supported by the State of Washington.
WIAA-sanctioned sports & activities
The WIAA oversees athletics and fine arts in Washington state. As of February 2011, the organization hosts 83 state championships[1] for the following sports and activities:
Athletics
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Other activities
Classification
Classification is based on student body enrollment in the upper three grades (10–12) and used by the WIAA to maintain fair and equal competition between its member high schools. The organization places member schools into one of six tiered classifications based on enrollment ranges: 1B, 2B, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. The enrollment ranges are evaluated by the WIAA Executive Board biennially and finalized for a two-year period. Enrollments of single-gender schools are doubled for classification purposes.[2]
Current classifications for years 2014 through 2016, as approved by the WIAA Executive Board on January 27, 2014,[3] are as follows:
Classification | Enrollment (gr. 10–12) | Average per class year | Member schools | Opted -up |
---|---|---|---|---|
4A | 1252.4 + | 417 + | 65 | 11 |
3A | 990.9–1252.3 | 330–417 | 65 | 19 |
2A | 472–990.8 | 157–330 | 64 | 1 |
1A | 225–471.9 | 75–157 | 64 | 12 |
2B | 90–224.9 | 30–75 | 59 | 4 |
1B | 26–89.9 | 8–30 | 63 | – |
Total | 380 | 47 |
The previous classifications for years 2012 through 2014, as approved by the WIAA Executive Board on January 23, 2012,[4] were:
Classification | Enrollment (gr. 10–12) | Average per class year | Member schools | Opted -up |
---|---|---|---|---|
4A | 1304 + | 435 + | 67 | 3 |
3A | 1086–1303 | 362–434 | 63 | 18 |
2A | 513–1085 | 171–361 | 64 | 2 |
1A | 208–512 | 70–170 | 74 | 10 |
2B | 93–207 | 31–69 | 48 | 5 |
1B | 0–92 | 0–30 | 73 | – |
Total | 389 | 41 |
For the years 2010 through 2012, there were 62 member schools in the 1B classification; 62 in 2B, 65 in 1A, 64 in 2A, 67 in 3A, and 66 member schools in the 4A classification. In addition, 23 member schools were not counted because "they do not access postseason play, they have no athletics, they do not meet the WIAA separate alternative high school definition or they do not field at least one team sport outside of a combined program."[5]
Opt-up
Member schools are given the option to move to a higher classification to compete against larger schools. The WIAA gives members two opportunities to "opt-up" for higher classification: 1) prior to the enrollment count that will inform the enrollment ranges for classification when evaluated and finalized by the Executive Board; and 2) a two-week period after the classification enrollment ranges have been finalized.[6]
Schools that opt-up during the first opportunity are divided into equal classifications after the classification enrollment ranges have been finalized. Schools that elect to opt-up during the second opportunity must be approved by the board of their governing District and the WIAA Executive Board.[6]
For the years 2010 through 2012, 9 schools opted up to 2B classification; 5 to 1A, 1 to 2A, 24 to 3A, and 4 schools opted up to 4A classification. In the past schools have opted up in order to prevent leagues from dissolving, as the Eastside Prep Eagles did in the 2012-2013 season, opting up from 1B to the 1A Emerald City, now playing schools with over double their enrollment.[5]
Historic classifications
Years | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A | 2B | 1B |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006–present | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A | 2B | 1B |
1998–2006 | 4A | 3A | 2A | 1A | B | |
1969–1997 | AAA | AA | A | B | ||
1958–1968 | AA | A | B | |||
1945–1957 | A | B | ||||
1944–1945 | single classification | |||||
1942–1943 | A | B | ||||
1934–1941 | single classification | |||||
1931–1933 | A | B | ||||
1923–1930 | single classification |
source[7]
League alignments
The WIAA is divided into nine districts that represent approximate geographical areas.[8] Each district is presided over by a District Director. Member schools are aligned into geographical conferences or leagues for competition. District membership is determined by these conferences and leagues with the exception of two. The Columbia Basin Big Nine Conference and Central Washington Athletic Conference have member schools in two districts.[8] Conference and League alignment is determined annually. The following are league alignments as of 2011-2012 school year and are subject to revision to adjust for the 2012-2014 reclassification.
Northwest District One
The Northwest Interscholastic Activities Association[9] governs WIAA District 1,[8] which encompasses the five counties in the northwest section of Washington State: Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, and Island. As of February 2011, Northwest District 1 includes seven leagues with member schools from all classifications and a single independent member school.[10] The Western High School Athletic Conference regulates two 4A classification leagues and one 3A classification league. Its membership consists of high schools in the public school districts of Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Monroe, Mukilteo, Oak Harbor, Shoreline, Snohomish, and Stanwood.[11] The Cascade Conference regulates member schools in both 2A and 1A classifications. Its membership consists of high schools in Snohomish, Island and north King counties, in and near Everett.[12] The Northwest Conference regulates member schools in 3A, 2A and 1A classifications. Its membership consists of high schools in western Whatcom, Skagit and counties, in and near Bellingham and Mount Vernon.[13] The Northwest 1A/2B/1B League regulates member schools in 1A,2B and 1B classifications. Its membership consists of high schools in San Juan, Skagit, Island, Snohomish and north King counties. The only school in this league that is not in the 2B or 2B classification is Friday Harbor, a 1A school. The Northwest B League regulates member schools in 1B classification. Its membership consists of small public and private high schools in San Juan, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.[14]
WesCo 4A
- Cascade Bruins
- Jackson Timberwolves
- Kamiak Knights
- Lake Stevens Vikings
- Mariner Marauders
- Monroe Bearcats
- Mount Vernon Bulldogs
- Snohomish Panthers
WesCo 3A North
- Arlington Eagles
- Everett Seagulls
- Marysville Getchell Chargers
- Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks
- Oak Harbor Wildcats
- Stanwood Spartans
WesCo 3A South
- Edmonds-Woodway Warriors
- Glacier Peak Grizzlies
- Lynnwood Royals
- Meadowdale Mavericks
- Mountlake Terrace Hawks
- Shorecrest Scots (2A)
- Shorewood Thunderbirds
Cascade Conference (2A/1A)
- Archbishop Murphy Wildcats (2A)
- Cedarcrest Redwolves (2A)
- Coupeville Wolves (1A)
- Granite Falls Tigers (2A)
- King's Knights (1A)
- Lakewood Cougars (2A)
- South Whidbey Falcons (2A)
- Sultan Turks (2A)
Northwest Conference (3A/2A/1A)
- Anacortes Seahawks (2A)
- Bellingham Red Raiders(2A)
- Blaine Borderites (2A)
- Burlington-Edison Tigers (2A)
- Ferndale Golden Eagles (3A)
- Lynden Lions (2A)
- Lynden Christian Lyncs (1A)
- Meridian Trojans (1A)
- Mount Baker Mountaineers (2A)
- Nooksack Valley Pioneers (1A)
- Sedro-Woolley Cubs (3A)
- Sehome Mariners (2A)
- Squalicum Storm (2A)
Northwest 1A/2B League (1A/2B)
- Concrete Lions(2B)
- Darrington Loggers(2B)
- Friday Harbor Wolverines (1A)
- La Conner Braves(2B)
- Mount Vernon Christian Hurricanes (2B)
- Orcas Island Vikings (2B)
- Cedar Park Christian - Mountlake Terrace Lions (2B)
- Shoreline Christian Chargers (2B)
Northwest 1B League
- Arlington Christian Lions
- Grace Academy Eagles
- Lopez Lobos
- Lummi Blackhawks
- Highland Christian Knights
- Providence Classical Christian Highlanders
- St. Paul's Academy Knights
- Skykomish Rockets
- Tulalip Heritage Hawks
Independent
SeaKing District Two
The SeaKing District encompasses mostly schools in King County. The schools are in all classification sizes and separated into five leagues by size and location. A majority of the state's 3A schools are located in this district and the West Central District 3. The Center School, International Community School, International School, and Secondary BOC are independents in this District.
KingCo 4A
- Bothell Cougars
- Eastlake Wolves
- Inglemoor Vikings
- Issaquah Eagles
- Mount Si Wildcats
- Newport Knights
- Redmond Mustangs
- Skyline Spartans
- Woodinville Falcons
KingCo 3A/2A
- Bellevue Wolverines
- Interlake Saints
- Juanita Rebels
- Lake Washington Kangaroos (2A)
- Liberty Patriots
- Mercer Island Islanders
- Sammamish Totems (2A)
Metro (3A)
Mountain Division
- Bainbridge Spartans
- Blanchet Braves
- Eastside Catholic Crusaders
- Holy Names Cougars (girls)
- O'Dea Irish (boys)
- Lakeside Lions
- Seattle Prep Panthers
Sound Division
- Cleveland Eagles
- Garfield Bulldogs
- Rainier Beach Vikings
- Roosevelt Roughriders
- West Seattle Wildcats
Valley Division
Emerald City (1A)
- Annie Wright
- Bush Blazers
- Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
- Northwest School
- Overlake Owls
- Seattle Academy
- University Prep Pumas
- Eastside Prep Eagles (opted up from 1B to prevent Emerald City league from dissolving)
SeaTac (2B/1B)
- Bear Creek Grizzlies
- Chief Leschi Warriors
- Christian Faith Eagles
- Eastside Academy Lions (1B)
- Evergreen Lutheran Eagles
- King's West Warriors
- Mt Rainier Lutheran Hawks (1B)
- Northwest Yeshiva High School (1B)
- Puget Sound Adventist Sharks (1B)
- Quilcene Rangers
- Rainier Christian Mustangs
- Seattle Lutheran Saints
- Tacoma Baptist Crusaders
West Central District Three
The WCD encompasses schools in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, Mason, Thurston, and King counties of the northern Peninsula and southern Puget Sound areas of Washington. The district has the most 4A and 3A schools combined in the state, with 26 and 16 respectively. It includes schools from all classification sizes, although most of the 2B schools in the region are members SeaTac league of SeaKing District two.
South Puget Sound 4A
North
- Auburn Trojans^
- Auburn-Riverside Ravens^
- Kentlake Falcons
- Kent-Meridian Royals
- Kentridge Chargers
- Kentwood Conquerors
- Mt. Rainier Rams
- Tahoma Bears
- Thomas Jefferson Raiders^
South
- Bethel Braves
- Curtis Vikings^
- Emerald Ridge Jaguars
- Federal Way Eagles^
- Graham-Kapowsin Eagles
- Puyallup Vikings
- Rogers Rams
- Spanaway Lake Sentinels
- Todd Beamer Titans^
^ competes as part of SPSL Central for Tennis, Swimming, Track & Field, and Golf. SPSL 4A schools participating in Gymnastics and Girls Bowling compete in a single division.
South Puget Sound 3A
- Auburn Mountainview Lions
- Bonney Lake Panthers
- Decatur Golden Gators
- Enumclaw Hornets
- Lakes Lancers
- Peninsula Seahawks
South Puget Sound 2A
- Clover Park Warriors
- Eatonville Cruisers
- Fife Trojans
- Franklin Pierce Cardinals
- Steilacoom Sentinels
- Sumner Spartans
- Washington Patriots
- White River Hornets
Narrows 4A
- Bellarmine Prep Lions
- Gig Harbor Tides
- Olympia Bears
- Shelton Highclimbers
- South Kitsap Wolves
- Stadium Tigers
Narrows 3A
- Capital Cougars
- Central Kitsap Cougars
- Foss Falcons
- Lincoln Abes
- Mt. Tahoma Thunderbirds
- Timberline Blazers
- Wilson Rams
- Yelm Tornados
Seamount 2A/3A
- Evergreen Wolverines (2A)
- Foster Bulldogs (2A)
- Hazen Highlanders (3A)
- Highline Pirates (3A)
- Kennedy Lancers (3A)
- Lindbergh Eagles (2A)
- Renton Indians (2A)
- Tyee Totems (2A)
Olympic 2A/3A
- Bremerton Knights (3A)
- Kingston Buccaneers (2A)
- Klahowya Eagles (2A)
- North Kitsap Vikings (2A)
- North Mason Bulldogs (2A)
- Olympic Trojans (2A)
- Port Angeles Roughriders (2A)
- Port Townsend Redskins (1A) (All sports except football)
- Sequim Wolves (2A)
Nisqually 1A
- Cascade Christian Cougars
- Cedar Park Christian Eagles (Football Only)
- Charles Wright Tarriers
- Chimacum Cowboys
- Life Christian Eagles
- Orting Cardinals
- Port Townsend Redskins (Football Only)
- Seattle Christian Warriors
- Vashon Island Pirates
North Olympic 1B
- Clallam Bay Bruins
- Crescent Loggers
- Neah Bay Red Devils
Independent
- Auburn Adventist Falcons(1A)
- Tacoma School of the Arts (1A) (Music Only)
Southwest Washington District Four
The Southwest District, as its name suggests, includes schools south of the Olympic Mountains and west of the Cascade Range. The Washington School for the Blind (1B), Three Rivers Christian (1B), King's Way Christian (1B), Maple Lane High School (1A), and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (1A) are independents.[15]
Greater St. Helens 4A
- Battle Ground Tigers
- Camas Papermakers
- Evergreen Plainsmen
- Heritage Timberwolves
- Skyview Storm
- Union Titans
Greater St. Helens 3A
- Columbia River Chieftains
- Fort Vancouver Trappers
- Hudson's Bay Eagles
- Kelso Hilanders
- Mountain View Thunder
- Prairie Falcons
Evergreen 2A
- Aberdeen Bobcats
- Black Hills Wolves
- Centralia Tigers
- North Thurston Rams
- River Ridge Hawks
- Tumwater T-Birds
- W.F. West Bearcats
Greater St. Helens 2A
Evergreen 1A
- Elma Eagles
- Forks Spartans
- Hoquiam Grizzlies
- Montesano Bulldogs
SW Washington Trico 1A
- Castle Rock Rockets
- Columbia Bruins
- Ilwaco Fishermen
- Kalama Chinooks
- King's Way Knights
- La Center Wildcats
- Stevenson Bulldogs
- Seton Catholic Cougars
- Woodland Beavers
Arcadia 1A
- Adna pirates
- Napavine Tigers
- Wahkiakum Mules
- Rainier Mountaineers
- Rochester Warriors
- Tenino Beavers
- Raymond Gulls
- South Bend Indians
- Toledo Indians
Central 2B
- Mossyrock Vikings
- Morton/White Pass Timberwolves
- Onalaska Loggers
- Toutle Lake Ducks
- Winlock Cardinals
Pacific 2B
- North Beach Hyaks
- Northwest Christian Navigators
- Ocosta Wildcats
- Pe Ell-Willapa Valley Titans
Pacific 1B
- Lake Quinault Elks
- Mary M. Knight Owls
- Naselle Comets
- North River Mustangs
- Oakville Acorns
- Taholah Chitwin
- Washington School for the Deaf Terriers
- Wishkah Valley Loggers
Yakima Valley District Five
The Yakima Valley District includes schools in south central Washington. The schools are divided into six leagues.
Columbia Basin 4A
- Chiawana Riverhawks
- Davis Pirates
- Eisenhower Cadets
- Pasco Bulldogs
- Richland Bombers
- Walla Walla Blue Devils
- West Valley Rams
Columbia Basin 3A
Central Valley 2A
- East Valley Red Devils
- Ellensburg Bulldogs
- Grandview Greyhounds
- Othello Huskies
- Prosser Mustangs
- Selah Vikings
- Toppenish Wildcats
- Wapato Wolves
South Central 1A
- Cle Elum/Roslyn Warriors
- Columbia Coyotes
- Connell Eagles
- Goldendale Timberwolves
- Granger Spartans
- Highland Scots
- Kiona-Benton Bears
- LaSalle Lightning
- Mabton Vikings
- Naches Valley Rangers
- River View Panthers
- Royal Knights
- Wahluke Warriors
- Zillah Leopards
Columbia Basin 2B
- Riverside Christian Crusaders
- Warden Cougars
- White Swan Cougars
Columbia Basin 1B
- Bickelton Pirates
- Glenwood/Trout Lake Mustangs
- Klickitat Vandals
- Lyle/Wishram Cougars
- Sunnyside Christian Knights
- Yakima Tribal School Eagles
North Central District Six
Columbia Basin Big Nine 4A/3A
Central Washington 2A
Caribou Trail 1A
- Cashmere Bulldogs
- Cascade Kodiaks (Leavenworth)
- Chelan Goats
- Okanogan Bulldogs
- Omak Pioneers
- Tonasket Tigers
North Central 2B
- Brewster Bears
- Bridgeport Mustangs
- Entiat Tigers
- Kittitas Coyotes
- Lake Roosevelt Raiders
- Liberty Bell Mountain Lions
- Manson Trojans
- Oroville Hornets
- Pateros Billygoats
- Soap Lake Eagles
- Waterville Shockers
North Central 1B
- Cascade Christian Academy Wolverines
- Columbia Basin Secondary School Phoenix
- Easton Jaguars
- Mansfield Kernels
- Moses Lake Christian Academy Lions
- Omak Alternative School Coyotes
- Thorp Tigers
- Wilson Creek Devils
Northeast District Seven
Great Northern 2A
Northeast 1A
- Chewelah Cougars
- Colville Indians
- Deer Park Stags
- Freeman Scotties
- Lakeside Eagles
- Medical Lake Cardinals
- Newport Grizzlies
- Riverside Rams
Bi-County 2B
- Colfax Bulldogs
- Davenport Gorillas
- Kettle Falls Bulldogs
- Liberty Lancers
- Lind/Ritzville Broncos
- Mary Walker Chargers
- Northwest Christian Crusaders
- Reardan Indians
- St. George's Dragons
- Wilbur-Creston Wildcats
Bi County 1B"'
- ACH Warriors
- Odessa-Harrington Titans
- St. Michael's Warriors
- Valley Christian Panthers
Panorama 1B Republic Tigers
- Columbia Lions
- Curlew Cougars
- Cusick Panthers
- Inchelium Hornets
- Northport Mustangs
- Selkirk Rangers
- Wellpinit Redskins
Greater Spokane District Eight
District 8 includes one league of schools in and around the city of Spokane. The Greater Spokane League was formed in 1925 as the Spokane City League and became the GSL in 1976.[16] District 8 was created to separate the larger schools (then AAA) from the smaller schools in District 7. Schools that drop to 2A therefore leave the GSL and District 8, to the Great Northern League in District 7. Consequently, schools have gone through great lengths to remain in the league and maintain historic rivalries. Gonzaga Prep opts-up to 4A, despite having 2A enrollment numbers. In 2014 the GSL separated the league into 2 different leagues; 4A and 3A to create space for more crossover games with other leagues. University H.S. also moved up to 4A [17]
4A |
---|
*Central Valley Bears |
*Gonzaga Prep Bullpups |
*Ferris Saxons |
*Lewis & Clark Tigers |
*Mead Panthers |
*University Titans |
3A |
---|
*Mt. Spokane Wildcats |
*North Central Indians |
*Rogers Pirates |
*Shadle Park Highlanders |
source:[18]
Southeast District Nine
District Nine South 2B
- Asotin Panthers
- Dayton Bulldogs
- Desales Irish
- Sunnyside Christian Knights (football only)
- Tri-Cities Prep Jaguars
- Waisburg-Prescott Cardinal
- Walla Walla VA Academy Knights
District Nine North 1B
- Colton Wildcats
- Garfield-Palouse Vikings
- Lacrosse-Washtucna Wildcats
- Liberty Christian Patriots
- Pomeroy Pirates
- Rosalia Spartans
- St. John-Endicott Eagles
- Tekoa-Oakesdale Nighthawks
- Touchet Indians
Neighboring states (and province)
- Oregon School Activities Association
- Idaho High School Activities Association
- British Columbia School Sports (Canada)
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 WIAA.com: Mission & Purpose
- ↑ "4.0.0 Classification of schools" (PDF). WIAA Handbook. 2012–2013. p. 5. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
- ↑ "Classifications 2014-16". WIAA. January 27, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- ↑ "Classifications 2012-14". WIAA. January 23, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
- 1 2 "Classifications 2010-12". WIAA. January 24, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
- 1 2 WIAA.com: WIAA Classification Opt-Up Second Opportunity Form
- ↑ "Classifications then and now". WIAA. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
- 1 2 3 WIAA.com: WIAA Districts & Leagues
- ↑ Northwest District 1 website (nwdist1.com)
- ↑ Northwest Interscholastic Activities Association (Northwest District 1) Handbook 2010-2011
- ↑ Western Conference Guidelines 2010-2011
- ↑ Cascade Conference Handbook 2010-2011
- ↑ Northwest Conference Handbook 2010-2011
- ↑ Northwest B League Constitution
- ↑ http://www.digitalsports.com/organization/id/1415841.aspx
- ↑ "The League of Champions - League Info - League History". Greater Spokane League. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
- ↑ Ralley, Dan (Jan 6 1997) Reclassification Sets Off Scramble in State High SchoolsSeattle PI. Retrieved 15 Mar 2010
- ↑ "The League of Champions". Greater Spokane League. Retrieved 2012-11-05.