What is the NFHS Participation Survey?

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Participation Survey is an essential annual initiative that gathers and reports data on high school sports and activities across the United States. This survey plays a crucial role in understanding participation trends and opportunities for students in education-based athletics.

Each year, the NFHS collaborates with state associations to collect participation counts by sport, gender, and season. This comprehensive data is then compiled and published by the NFHS, providing a national overview of participation trends in high school athletics.

The Participation Survey serves several important purposes for both the NFHS and state associations:

• Track national and state-level participation trends

• Understand changes in opportunities for students

• Support research, advocacy, and public reporting

• Inform conversations with policymakers, media, and education leaders

Based on the data collected, NFHS publishes an annual participation report that highlights key findings, including record participation levels and year-over-year growth. For instance, the NFHS recently announced record-high participation with a significant increase projected for the 2024–25 school year.

By staying informed about these trends, stakeholders can better advocate for and support high school sports and activities, ensuring that students have access to valuable opportunities in athletics.