The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) service organization and rule-making body that was formed in 1905 to create equitable playing conditions between high school sports teams in Washington.  The Association consists of nearly 800 member high schools and middle/junior high schools, both public and private, and is divided into nine geographic service districts.  The state staff administers Association policies, rules and regulations and provides other assistance and service to member schools.

The WIAA oversees athletics and fine arts in Washington state and hosts 83 WIAA state championship events for the following sports and activities:  baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, cross country, dance & drill, debate, drama, football, golf, gymnastics, music, softball, swimming & diving, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling.  WIAA state championships run from early November through late May.  These programs provide students with valuable life skills and are an integral part of the total education process.

The WIAA does not receive any funding via tax dollars nor does it receive any financial support from the State of Washington.  The WIAA is funded primarily through ticket sales for state tournaments and other events.  Additional funding is derived from sponsorships, membership fees, a percentage of merchandise sales and other minimal items.  WIAA expenses are related to the operations of the business and the costs associated with running state championships.


Mission

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association exists to assist member schools in operating student programs that foster achievement, respect, equity, enthusiasm and excellence in a safe and organized environment.

The indicators to determine satisfactory progress toward achieving the mission shall be:

  • At least 80 percent of all students within a member school will be active participants in at least one (1) activity annually.
  • Public understanding and support of the value of interscholastic activities and athletics in education will be increased.
  • All member schools will implement a written plan to address citizenship.
  • All member schools will employ competent, caring and knowledgeable coaches.
  • Achievement and excellence will be recognized.


Purpose & Goals

PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION - This Association shall plan, supervise and administer the interscholastic activities approved and delegated by the school districts boards of directors.

GOALS OF THE ASSOCIATION - To this end, this Association shall:

  • Recognize that the primary responsibility of secondary schools is to educate youth;
  • Establish standards to insure the safety, health and general welfare of all participants;
  • Protect students, schools and personnel from exploitation by special interest groups;
  • Emphasize interscholastic activities as an integral part of the total educational process;
  • Formulate and maintain policies which will cultivate the ideals of good sportsmanship;
  • Design all activities to provide for fair and equal opportunities for all participants;
  • Promote uniformity of standards in interscholastic activities;
  • Provide a clear channel of communication for member school districts;
  • Recognize excellence in performance as a result of training and practice in the competitive process.
  • Encourage and promote diversity of its membership at all levels of the Association.