NFHS Participation Survey: Option 1 Aggregate Submission (Q&A from 2/4/26)
Cate Sgroi - NIAA
Q: Are we still required to provide information on total member schools, student population, etc.?
A: Confirmed that total participation numbers and the total number of member high schools will be listed as a requirement for aggregate submissions - staying consistent with previous years.
Cate Sgroi - NIAA
Q: Will the form auto-populate zeros when entering final participation numbers?
A: This is something the team is considering. Entered zeros would be clearly identifiable as intentional entries.
Juli Kidd - NCHSAA
Q: On the declaration page, is there a section to indicate which sports are sanctioned versus non-sanctioned in the state?
A: All sports previously shown on the UpMetrics form will be listed, and states will have full control over what is included or excluded from their form. There will be a standard set, a “common non-sanctioned” category, and the ability to add new offerings.
Laura Parker - VHSL
Q: When and to whom do we communicate which option we will use, and when is this due to the NFHS?
A: The NFHS will communicate a deadline of their choosing shortly, with the hope that it will be shared next week. Our goal is to identify which states are choosing Option 2 in order to build the most effective platform tailored to their needs.
Julian Tackett - KHSAA
Q: Are we primarily focused on the instrument we are using, or do you already have a sense of which sports will be included?
A: Koski shared that the intent is to maintain continuity with past statistical reporting by keeping the same information wherever possible. An exhaustive list of sports exists in the NFHS Handbook.
Andy Warner - MPSSAA
Q: Some states collect Fall or Winter Competitive Cheer. How will that be captured? Will columns evolve based on individual state plans or aggregation needs? Also, are there any considerations for collecting middle school participation numbers?
A: Historically, the participation survey has focused on grades 9 through 12. Regarding Competitive Cheer, FinalForms is well equipped to understand and normalize activity distinctions across states to ensure appropriate aggregation.
Julian Tackett - KHSAA
Q: Historically, we lost the ability to see what we submitted using UpMetrics, making a direct call to the NFHS for reference as needed in the past.
A: States will be able to see their current year submission for sure. As we continue, you will be able to view previous years submissions as well. Submissions can also be revised up until the due date.
Laura Parker - VHSL
Q: In Virginia, we have always submitted this report on March 17, which is why I asked about timing. Our staff is brand new, and they pulled the participation form last week. These dates are critical, and once timelines are shared, there may be concern internally.
A: Mack noted that Option 2 may still be a possibility and suggested meeting separately to discuss Virginia’s specific circumstances and how the team can best support them.