SANCTIONING

Welcome to the National Federation of Middle School Sports (NFMSS) Event Sanctioning page. Here, you will find everything needed to successfully sanction your event – from understanding the sanctioning process and identifying the correct forms, to submitting the required documentation for approval.

To verify whether an event has already been sanctioned, please select the appropriate sport from the list below and search accordingly.

For additional questions or clarification, please contact the National Assistant Director at the NFMSS National Office at 404-477-8781.

Understanding Sanctioning Forms

Intrastate Sanction Form

The NFMSS Intrastate Sanction Form is required for intercounty or intercity contests involving more than three teams within a single state when the event is sponsored by a non-member educational institution.

This form may be submitted electronically; however, an official list of all participating schools must be included before the application can be reviewed and approved.

Please note: NFMSS member schools may host intercounty or intercity contests involving other NFMSS member schools – or schools approved through the Standards of Competition – without requiring sanctioning approval.

Bordering State & Interstate Sanction Forms

The Bordering State and Interstate Sanction Forms are required when events include schools from multiple states competing alongside NFMSS member schools.

These forms may be completed online and submitted via fax or email to the NFMSS National Office. As with all sanctioning requests, an official list of participating schools must be provided before the application can be processed.

If you are unsure which form applies to your event, please refer to the Sanctioning Levels and Required Forms guide or contact the National Assistant Director at 404-477-8781.

Out-of-State Competition Guidelines

Schools planning to participate in out-of-state events must first confirm that the hosting institution or organization has submitted a sanctioning application to its home association and that NFMSS member schools are listed as participants.

This process ensures that NFMSS is properly notified and able to review and approve participation as part of the host state’s sanctioning process.

Each request is reviewed individually in accordance with NFMSS bylaws and policies. The following factors are considered:

  • Travel distance
  • Impact on instructional time and student academics
  • Total number of contests
  • Potential for student-athlete exploitation

Grounds for Denial of Sanctioning Approval

Sanctioning approval may be denied if any of the following conditions apply:

The event falls outside the seasonal limitations established by NFMSS bylaws

The event conflicts with a previously scheduled NFMSS-sanctioned event

The event is sponsored by a non-educational institution or organization

Awards or recognitions do not meet NFMSS standards

Understanding Sanctions

NFMSS sanctioning rules can sometimes be confusing, but the goal is simple: to make sure all events are safe, fair, and meet proper standards.

All NFMSS member schools are required to participate only in events that are approved (sanctioned) by the federation.

Here’s what that means:

  • Regular season games organized by local school systems and following state guidelines are already approved.
  • Championship events (county, district, regional, or state) hosted by schools or NFMSS are also automatically approved.

For multi-team events (like tournaments):

  • If all teams are NFMSS member schools (or approved schools), no extra approval is needed.
  • If not, the event must be approved by NFMSS before it takes place.

To get approval:

  • The host school must submit a sanction request form before the season starts
  • If the event is early in the season, it must be submitted at least 15 days in advance
  • A full list of participating schools must be included

NFMSS will review the event to make sure it meets standards for fairness, safety, and competition.

If teams from different states are involved, each state will also review and approve their own schools.

NFMSS Event Evaluation Criteria

All sanctioning requests are reviewed to ensure alignment with NFMSS standards and the protection of student-athletes. The following criteria are used in the evaluation process:

Travel Considerations
Distance and logistics must be reasonable and appropriate for middle school student-athletes.

Student-Athlete Welfare
The event must prioritize the safety, well-being, and overall experience of all participants.

Educational Integrity
The event must support the educational mission of member schools and avoid excessive disruption to academic schedules.

Financial Transparency
All fees, costs, and financial arrangements must be clearly communicated. Events must not exploit student-athletes for financial gain.

Equity and Fair Treatment
All participating schools must be treated equally with regard to scheduling, accommodations, meals, and facilities.

Event Organization and Management
The event must demonstrate a clear structure, including schedules, rules, and qualified oversight.

Facilities and Accommodations
Venues, lodging (if applicable), and meal arrangements must meet acceptable standards and match what is promised to participants.

Compliance with NFMSS Bylaws
The event must operate within all NFMSS rules, seasonal guidelines, and competition standards.

Competitive Balance
The format of the event should promote fair and meaningful competition among participating teams.

The competition must meet the following requirements:

  • Be in full compliance with all participation limitations established by NFMSS.
  • Not determine or serve as a regional or national championship event.
  • Not be conducted as a preliminary or affiliated contest to any college or professional athletic event.
  • Be sponsored and administered by an educational institution or a comparable non-profit organization.
  • Take place within the United States, without resulting in the loss of instructional time, and in full compliance with local school system policies and procedures governing school-sponsored travel.
  • Ensure that all awards and recognitions are consistent with Regulation .08: Awards and Recognition.