Proposal to let certain Indiana high schools to partner for sports to

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - A change could soon be coming to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), thanks to the efforts of a principal at a small high school in Randolph County.

That principal is Ryan Chiddister, and that school is Union Jr./Sr. High School.

Home to about 120 students, Union Jr./Sr. High School sports blue and yellow, and cheers for Rowdy Rocket.

In mid-February, Chiddister proposed a change to the IHSAA bylaws to allow two member schools to team up for athletic purposes.

“First and foremost, we want the most opportunities we can have for our students,” said Chiddister. “That is the reason for the proposal.”

There are a few rules, Chiddister said:

Schools must have insufficient enrollment numbers and/or staffing and coaching.
Schools must have a lack of a program at one or both schools and/or a lack of proper facilities.
Schools must have fewer than 300 enrolled students on campus.

The amendment to the bylaws would only apply to team sports, since the IHSAA recognizes state champions in individual sports.

For schools like Union Jr./Sr. High School, Chiddister says, team sports are not always a possibility.

“Students at small schools need those benefits as well as students in large schools,” said Chiddister. “whether it be physical, social, emotional, academic.”

Chiddister calls the proposal a “win-win” for everyone.

The amendment is to go to the IHSAA Board of Directors for a vote on Monday, May 5.

IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig said about 60% of members support the idea. It’ll be in front of the association’s board of directors for a vote on Monday, May 5.

If the IHSAA board passes Chiddister’s proposal, schools will apply for a cooperative agreement by Sept. 1, 2025. Then, reclassifications will be ready for the 2026-2027 school year.