All NFMSS-recognized competitions must be conducted in a manner that protects student safety, supports fair play, promotes sportsmanship, verifies eligibility, and reflects the values of education-based middle school athletics.
Participating schools, athletic directors, coaches, event hosts, officials, student-athletes, and spectators are expected to follow NFMSS standards related to eligibility, rosters, rules of play, officials, health and safety, venue preparation, supervision, conduct, score reporting, and appeals.
Schools must verify that all student-athletes are officially enrolled, eligible, and listed on the official roster before participating. Events must provide appropriate supervision, emergency planning, first aid access, qualified officials, safe facilities, and clear procedures for reporting results, incidents, protests, and eligibility concerns.
Use of an ineligible player, failure to follow conduct expectations, unsafe event conditions, false information, or violation of NFMSS standards may result in forfeiture, removal from rankings, disqualification, suspension, probation, loss of awards, denial of future event approval, or other penalties determined by NFMSS.