NFMSS Official Resources

Forms & Downloads

Official documents, governance materials, and compliance resources from the National Federation of Middle School Sports. All documents are issued by In Time of Need Incorporated.

Free — available to everyone
Members only — register your school to access
Restricted — internal use only

↓  Free to Download
The following documents are available to everyone — no membership required.

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School Membership Application Free
Start here — 13-section application for schools interested in NFMSS membership — school information, principal & athletic director contacts, billing contact, membership type selection (single sport, all-sports, multi-sport), sports selection (19 sports), team & program information, Rising Rank Sports interest, compliance acknowledgments, insurance & risk management, school authorization & signature, and NFMSS internal review section · Submission does not guarantee membership · Full Membership Agreement issued after approval

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Amateurism Affirmation Form Free
8 prohibited activity disclosures (compensation, NIL, endorsements, prize money & more), permitted activity clarifications & athlete/parent affirmation · Required annually

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Fan Conduct & Sportsmanship Policy Free
8 spectator expectations, prohibited conduct & consequences table, ejection process, host school responsibilities & positive recognition program · Post at all home events

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Report of Good Sportsmanship Form Free
Positive recognition form for athletes, coaches, and spectators demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship at NFMSS events · Submit to NFMSS for recognition

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Exertional Heat & Hydration Guidelines Free
WBGT activity modification table, hydration protocols, heat illness recognition chart & acclimatization schedule · Based on NATA & ACSM standards

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Website Terms of Use Free
24-section terms governing all use of NFMSS websites, platforms, and digital services — account eligibility, user-submitted content, athlete profiles & rankings, intellectual property, acceptable use, youth safety, privacy & COPPA, payments & refunds, disclaimer of warranties, limitation of liability, indemnification, and governing law · State of Georgia · Effective June 23, 2026

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Governance & Legal Documents
Foundational governance documents of the National Federation of Middle School Sports

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Legal & Governance Packet Members Only
Complete governance packet — articles, bylaws, policies, conflict of interest, records retention, and legal notices

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Education-Based Athletics — Position Statement Members Only
NFMSS official position on education-based athletics — seven pillars, belief statement, and the middle school difference

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The documents below require an active membership.

Register your school to unlock the full AD course library, compliance handbooks, athletics handbook, coach credentialing portal, and all professional development resources.

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Compliance & Operations
Required reading for all Athletic Directors, coaches, and member school administrators

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Middle School Athletics Handbook Members Only
Complete official handbook — membership, eligibility, rosters, sanctioning, championships, conduct, safety, appeals, and legal notices

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Official Compliance Handbook Members Only
Governing rules, enforcement procedures, penalty framework, reporting obligations, and appeals process for all member schools

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Sanctioning Guide Members Only
Step-by-step sanctioning decision framework, application timeline, required materials, and consequence framework

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Background Check Authorization Form Members Only
12-section FCRA-compliant authorization form for coaches, staff, volunteers, officials, contractors & event personnel — standalone disclosure, role selection (10 options), applicant information, screening provider fields, authorization to obtain report, investigative consumer report notice, FCRA rights & adverse action process, youth safety requirement, applicant disclosure questions (5 questions with explanation fields), continuing duty to update, certification & signature, and NFMSS internal use section · Required for all adults serving in NFMSS roles involving access to minors

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Coach / Volunteer Code of Conduct Members Only
8-section code of conduct required for all coaches, volunteers, officials, contractors & event personnel — professionalism & conduct, student-athlete safety & well-being, boundaries with minors, prohibited conduct, reporting obligations, sportsmanship & competition, media & social media guidelines, and consequences for violations · Signature required before serving in any NFMSS capacity

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Spectator Code of Conduct Members Only
6-section code of conduct for parents, guardians, family members, fans & all event spectators — respect & sportsmanship, prohibited conduct, respect for minors & privacy, venue & event rules, social media & online conduct, and consequences for violations · Includes event information fields and spectator signature · Distribute to all spectators at NFMSS events

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Interscholastic Athletics Appeals Board — Notice of Appeal Members Only
Official appeal form for eligibility determinations & penalty decisions · Must be filed within 5 calendar days of final written decision · Reviewed by independent Appeals Board panel of 3+ members · 30-day review window · Board judgment is final

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Professional Development & Certifications
NFMSS Athletic Excellence Framework™ & Coach Credentialing — available exclusively to registered member schools

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Athletic Excellence Framework™ Members Only
National certification, designation & professional development framework — all five tracks, four credential levels, and school designation tiers

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Coach Certification & Credentialing Portal Members Only
NFMSS Coach Credential — Level 1 (Certified Coach) & Level 2 (Professional Coach) · Core safety modules: Concussion Recognition, SCA Awareness, Heat & Hydration · Required for all head & assistant coaches before roster eligibility · Payment required before accessing the credentialing portal and test

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Certified Athletic Director™ Course
6 modules · 24 lessons · 48+ knowledge checks · 10 CEU credits upon completion · Members only

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Module 1 — Governance, Authority & Compliance Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · Compliance infrastructure, ethics, and conflict of interest

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Module 2 — Operational Excellence Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · Calendar management, budgets, facility standards, event operations

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Module 3 — Coach Management & Staff Development Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · 1 case study · Hiring, certification, evaluation, difficult coaching situations

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Module 4 — Student-Athlete Development Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · Education-based athletics, mental health, equity, and leadership programs

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Module 5 — Communication & Stakeholder Relations Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · Parent conflicts, school administration, media, and crisis communication

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Module 6 — Strategic Planning & Program Excellence Members Only
4 lessons · 8 knowledge checks · 1 case study · Multi-year planning, data, designation, and change leadership

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Comprehensive Final Assessment Members Only
50 questions · All six modules · 80% required to pass · Complete with answer keys and explanations

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Forms & Downloads
Official forms for Athletic Directors, coaches, and school administrators · Download, complete, and file

■  Group 1 — Medical & Athlete Safety
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Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation & Athlete Clearance Packet Members Only
Complete 4-page packet — Page 1: Athlete Medical History · Page 2: Physician Physical Exam & Clearance Status · Page 3: SCA & Concussion Recognition Waiver · Page 4: Emergency Medical Authorization (E-Card for team medical kit) · All four pages must be on file before first practice

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Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Form Members Only
Student medical history, physician exam, clearance status & parent consent · Required annually for all athletes

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Concussion Protocol & Return-to-Play / Learn Form Members Only
Symptom checklist, 6-step graduated RTP protocol, return-to-learn guidance & provider clearance · NFMSS concussion policy

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Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Template Members Only
Venue info, emergency contacts, EMS access, 6-scenario procedures, equipment checklist & annual review log · Complete one per facility · Fillable PDF

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■  Group 2 — Eligibility & Compliance
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Student-Athlete Eligibility Policy Members Only
Complete eligibility policy — grade requirements, age cutoffs, enrollment verification, rosters, transfers, homeschool & charter students, academic & disciplinary standards, penalties, and FAQ · Required reading for all ADs and coaches before submitting rosters · 25 sections + interactive FAQ

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Age & Grade Level Verification Form Members Only
7-criterion eligibility checklist, exception documentation & dual AD/Principal sign-off · Required annually for all athletes

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School-Enrolled Eligibility & Club Status Affirmation Members Only
Enrollment affirmation, club/travel team disclosure & education-based athletics acknowledgment · Separates school sport from travel ball

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■  Group 3 — Game Day & Contest Management
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Standard Contract for Athletic Contests Members Only
Contest details, financial terms, officials assignment, cancellation policy & dual AD signatures · Fillable PDF · Use for all scheduled contests

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Incident & Unsportsmanlike Conduct Report Form Members Only
Incident type checklist, individuals involved, narrative, witness log & immediate actions · Fillable PDF · Submit within 48 hours of incident

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48-Hour Event Incident Report Members Only
Mandatory compliance filing for ejections, physical altercations, discriminatory language & contest disruptions · Must be submitted to NFMSS within 48 hours · Triggers automatic 2-contest suspension per NFMSS Article IV

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■  Group 5 — School & Partnership Resources
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School Membership Packet Members Only
Overview of NFMSS membership benefits, tiers, and registration process · Governance & compliance access, coach credentialing, AD course, Athletic Excellence Framework™, and national recognition · Share with principals, ADs, and district leadership

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School Membership Agreement Members Only
25-section membership agreement for all NFMSS member schools — member school information, membership term, package & covered sports, membership benefits, fees & payment, refund/credit policy, school authorization & responsibilities, athlete eligibility, parent/guardian consent, youth safety & background checks, media & data sharing, championships & events, insurance & risk management, codes of conduct, intellectual property, confidentiality, termination, limitation of liability, governing law & dispute resolution · Includes Exhibit A (fee schedule), Exhibit B (required forms checklist), and Exhibit C (school acknowledgment checklist) · Dual signature block

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Athletic Director Contact Form Members Only
11-section onboarding form for registered member schools — school information, primary AD information, secondary athletics contact, sports overseen (19 sports), coach contact directory (4 coach entries), authorization & decision-making role, communication preferences, NFMSS & Rising Rank Sports onboarding interests, compliance acknowledgments, school confirmation & signature, and NFMSS internal use section · Complete after membership application is approved

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Principal Authorization Form Members Only
11-section authorization form signed by the principal or authorized school administrator — school information, principal/administrator information, authorization type, membership approval acknowledgment, authorized school representatives, sports & team participation approval (19 sports), Rising Rank Sports visibility acknowledgment, required school responsibilities, compliance acknowledgments, authorization statement & signature, and NFMSS internal review section · Complete during official school onboarding after membership application is approved

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Team Registration Form Members Only
15-section team registration for approved NFMSS member schools — school information, team information, championship & event participation, athletic director contact, coaching staff table (5 roles with background check status), 15-athlete roster table with parent forms & media consent tracking, eligibility certification, required parent/guardian forms checklist, Rising Rank Sports visibility, uniforms & equipment, schedule & competition information, compliance acknowledgments, authorized school certification, principal/AD approval, and NFMSS internal review · Complete one per team per season

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Coach Contact Form Members Only
14-section onboarding form for approved member schools — school information, team & sport, primary head coach information, assistant coach & staff directory (6 entries with background check & youth safety training status), coaching credentials & experience, background check & compliance status, youth safety & conduct acknowledgments, team communication responsibilities, Rising Rank Sports coordination, authority & limitations, emergency/event-day contact, coach certification & signature, AD/principal approval, and NFMSS internal use section · Complete one per coach per team

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Roster and Eligibility Certification Form Members Only
11-section official roster certification for approved member schools — school information, team information, authorized contacts, eligibility certification requirements, 16-athlete official roster table (with DOB, grade, age, jersey, forms complete & eligible columns), required forms & compliance checklist (10 items), Rising Rank Sports authorization, roster changes & corrections, school certification & acknowledgments, tri-signature block (representative, AD, principal), and NFMSS internal review section · Complete one per team per event or championship

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Event Registration Form Members Only
17-section event registration for approved member schools — event information (with event type checkboxes), school/organization information, authorized registration contact, team information, registration selection & fees, required documents checklist (13 items, 2-column), 10-athlete roster summary table, eligibility & compliance certification, parent/guardian consent & minor protection, medical & safety requirements, Rising Rank Sports media & rankings interest, no-refund policy acknowledgment (red alert block), event conduct & sportsmanship, insurance & risk management, authorized certification & signature, principal/AD approval, and NFMSS internal review with 5-option status row · Complete per team per event

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Refund / Credit Policy Acknowledgment Form Members Only
13-section policy acknowledgment required before submitting payment for any NFMSS membership, event registration, or championship fee — no refund policy, school credit toward future events, credit request requirements, event cancellation & force majeure, eligible payment categories, non-credit situations, administrative fees & processing costs, credit expiration (12 months), acknowledgment of understanding, authorized signature, and NFMSS internal credit review section · Complete before payment is submitted

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National Sponsorship & Partnership Packet Members Only
Founding National Partner, National Partner & Supporting Partner tiers · Category exclusivity, logo placement, co-branding opportunities & national recognition · 3.5M+ student-athlete reach · 501(c)(3) — contributions may be tax-deductible · Share with potential corporate and community partners

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Participant Clearance Package
For parents & medical providers — all four forms must be on file before an athlete may participate

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Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation & Athlete Clearance Packet Members Only
Complete 4-page packet — Page 1: Medical History · Page 2: Physician Exam & Clearance · Page 3: SCA & Concussion Waiver · Page 4: Emergency Medical Authorization (E-Card) · All four pages must be signed & on file before participation

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Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (PPE) Form Members Only
Student medical history, physician exam, clearance status & parent consent · Completed & signed by a licensed healthcare provider · Required annually

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Emergency Medical Authorization Form Members Only
Emergency contacts, health insurance, critical medical info & parent consent for emergency treatment · Must be on site at every practice and competition

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness & Sign-off Members Only
SCA warning signs, cardiac history disclosure, 6-step response protocol & athlete/parent sign-off · Required by NFMSS policy & applicable state law

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Exertional Heat Illness Acknowledgment & Sign-off Members Only
Heat illness types, hydration rules, personal risk factor disclosure & athlete/parent sign-off · Addresses elevated risk for middle school athletes specifically

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Parent / Guardian Medical Information Form Members Only
14-section comprehensive medical form for parents & guardians — student-athlete information, parent/guardian information, dual emergency contacts, health insurance & physician information, medical conditions checklist (14 conditions, 2-column), allergy details, current medications, restrictions & special accommodations, emergency medical authorization, concussion & return-to-play notice, medication handling notice, confidentiality acknowledgment, parent/guardian & student-athlete signatures, and NFMSS/school internal use section · Complete before any NFMSS event or championship participation · Keep on site at every practice and competition

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Media / Photo / Video Release Form Members Only
15-section comprehensive media release for registered schools & event participants — participant/student-athlete information, parent/guardian information, school/team authorization & signature, scope of media permission, media that may be used, approved uses, Rising Rank Sports & digital platform authorization, sponsor-branded content notice, limits & protections, children’s privacy & minor information notice, no compensation, revocation/removal request, granular permission selection checklist (10 options), parent/guardian & student-athlete signatures, and NFMSS internal use section with media permission & Rising Rank Sports status

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Athlete Profile Consent Form Members Only
13-section profile consent for Rising Rank Sports & NFMSS digital platforms — profile permission, information authorized for display, granular permission selections, data accuracy, COPPA & minor privacy notice, media & sponsor use, no compensation, removal/revocation process, and parent/guardian responsibilities · Required before a student-athlete profile may be created, published, or displayed on Rising Rank Sports or approved NFMSS platforms

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Minor Media Release Form Members Only
11-section media consent — scope of media permission, approved uses, limitations & restrictions, children's privacy notice (COPPA), no compensation, rights & ownership, revocation process, and optional permission selections · Required before NFMSS or Rising Rank Sports may photograph, record, publish, or display a student-athlete's name, image, likeness, statistics, or rankings · Separate from the Parent / Guardian Consent Form

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Parent / Guardian Consent Form Members Only
10-section consent packet — student-athlete & guardian information, program/event consent, medical authorization & emergency care, risk acknowledgment, concussion & return-to-play acknowledgment, media & platform notice, and parent/guardian responsibilities · Guided 6-step digital form · Required for all NFMSS activities, events, and partner platform participation · Must be signed before participation

✎ Fill Out Form
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Roster Compliance
For Athletic Directors & Coaches — required before the first contest of every season

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Roster Eligibility Checklist Members Only
20-athlete roster table with per-player eligibility criteria, AD certification checklist & tri-signature sign-off · One per team · Must be completed before first contest

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Transfer Eligibility Verification Form Members Only
8-criterion transfer checklist, bona fide move verification, sending & receiving AD dual sign-off & eligibility determination · One per transfer athlete

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Public Policy
For communities & spectators — posted at events, distributed to families, and kept on file by all member schools

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Youth Protection Policy Members Only
20-section policy covering safe environments for all NFMSS activities — scope & applicability, core principles, required screening & training, adult conduct standards, prohibited conduct, one-on-one interaction policy, electronic communication & social media rules, locker room & changing area policy, transportation & travel, physical contact boundaries, medical response, reporting procedures, mandatory reporting obligations, internal response & documentation, anti-retaliation, consequences for violations, records & confidentiality, and adult acknowledgment & signature · Required reading and signature for all adults serving NFMSS

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Title IX Guidance for Middle School Athletics Members Only
Three-part equity test, all 13 program areas self-assessment checklist, sexual harassment obligations, complaint filing process & AD annual review sign-off · NFMSS member school reference

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Waiver and Release of Liability Form Members Only
15-section waiver required before participation in any NFMSS event, championship, showcase, combine, camp, clinic, or program — participation permission, assumption of risk, waiver & hold harmless agreement, emergency medical authorization, concussion & return-to-play acknowledgment, parent/guardian responsibilities, transportation & personal property, media notice, insurance responsibility, and severability · Parent/guardian and student-athlete signatures required

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Concussion Acknowledgment Form Members Only
11-section annual concussion safety form — concussion definition & information, signs & symptoms (observed and reported), danger signs requiring 911, removal from play & no same-day return policy, medical evaluation & return-to-play clearance, parent/guardian responsibilities, student-athlete responsibilities, and coach/team representative acknowledgment · Required annually for all NFMSS participants · Parent/guardian and student-athlete signatures required

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Return-to-Play Clearance Form Members Only
12-section clearance form completed by a licensed healthcare provider — injury/incident documentation, provider information & credentials, medical status & clearance decision (6 options), restrictions & special instructions, 6-stage graduated return-to-play progression table, return-to-play conditions, provider certification & signature, parent/guardian acknowledgment, and coach/school receipt · Required before a student-athlete may return to any NFMSS practice, game, competition, or event following a suspected or confirmed concussion, head injury, or medical concern

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Records Request & Application Form Members Only
12 record categories, FERPA student records authorization, delivery format options, fee schedule & requestor certification · Submit to compliance@nfmss.org · 10-business-day response

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Official Rules Handbook
The complete governing rulebook for all NFMSS-sanctioned competition — required reading for all coaches, Athletic Directors, and officials

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Official National Interscholastic Rules Handbook — Grades 6–8 Members Only
7 Parts · 37 Articles · 4 Appendices · 9 Sports · Complete rules, penalty framework, eligibility standards, conduct codes, health & safety protocols, and postseason procedures · Binding on all NFMSS member schools, coaches, and officials

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🔒  Restricted / Internal Use Only
Authorized NFMSS staff and leadership only. Not distributed to schools, coaches, parents, or the public.

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Articles of Incorporation Internal
NFMSS founding articles under In Time of Need Incorporated · Official governance document

🔒 Internal Only

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Official Bylaws Internal
NFMSS official bylaws — governance structure, membership, voting, and amendment procedures

🔒 Internal Only

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National Expansion & Business Plan Restricted
NFMSS strategic growth plan — internal document, not available for public download

🔒 Restricted

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Three-Year Growth Roadmap Restricted
Strategic growth roadmap with KPIs and revenue strategy — internal document, not available for public download

🔒 Restricted

All documents are official publications of the National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS℠), owned and managed by In Time of Need Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Founder, Chairman & CEO: Dorian Williams. These documents may not be reproduced or redistributed without prior written permission.

Questions: compliance@nfmss.org  ·  (404) 477-8781  ·  www.nfmss.org