Welcome to our summary of the recent follow-up webinar on Option 1 (Aggregate Submission) for the NFHS Participation Survey! In this session, we focused on providing clarity and continuity regarding how FinalForms supports the survey process without altering the core requirements. Below, you'll find an overview of the key points discussed during the webinar, including what states need to know moving forward.

This session centered around Option 1: Aggregate Submission for the NFHS Participation Survey.

The most significant change for this cycle is the submission platform:

• Data that was previously submitted through UpMetrics will now be submitted through FinalForms.

• The purpose of the survey and the data requirements remain unchanged.

• States will continue to have full control over:

  • How data is collected

  • When schools are engaged

  • When submissions are finalized (within NFHS timelines)

Under Option 1:

• States may continue collecting data using any tools or processes they choose (spreadsheets, phone calls, internal systems, etc.).

• States will submit aggregate totals to NFHS via FinalForms.

• The required aggregate data remains the same, including:

  • Total state enrollment

  • Total number of member high schools

  • Total athletes by gender

  • Sport-by-sport participation counts

• FinalForms serves as the submission location, but there is no change to how states gather data.

The FinalForms submission interface has been designed to closely mirror UpMetrics, featuring a more compact and modern layout. Here are some key points:

• States will enter six data points per sport (previously four in UpMetrics), including:

  • Boys participation

  • Girls participation

  • Girls participating on boys teams (explicitly captured)

• A declaration page will allow states or schools to indicate which sports/activities they offer.

• Sports marked as not offered will not require data entry.

• Zero values will be treated as not reported, rather than indicating zero participation.

• Non-sanctioned sports can be captured using an “Other” option.

• Cheerleading and adaptive/allied sports will be mapped using NFHS-standard language.

• Middle school participation is not included this year.

• States will be able to:

  • View prior-year submissions

  • Print submissions

  • Revise entries up until final submission

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• FinalForms Option 1 functionality will be available starting March 1.

  • The original NFHS submission deadline is June 1.

  • Some states (e.g., Virginia) may have earlier deadlines that still align with Option 1.

• Option 2 (School → State → NFHS) requires earlier planning and build work.

  • March 1 is a key date for potential school-level rollout.

  • States considering Option 2 are encouraged to signal early.

• Final timelines will be formally communicated by NFHS.

• Nothing about the survey purpose or required data has changed.

• The only required change is where data is submitted (from UpMetrics to FinalForms).

• Option 1 remains fully supported and mirrors prior workflows.

• Option 2 is optional and requires earlier planning.

• FinalForms is available as a supporting resource, while NFHS defines official timelines and requirements.

Thank you for joining us in this webinar! We hope this summary helps clarify the changes and expectations for the upcoming NFHS Participation Survey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!