COLUMBIA – The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Annual Ballot. The following proposals were voted on by the member schools.
“This ballot reflects our continued dedication to strong governance and the growth of interscholastic activities throughout Missouri,” MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. “Each proposed change to the MSHSAA Constitution and By-Laws has been thoughtfully crafted through our advisory committees or introduced by the Board of Directors to ensure our policies stay responsive, relevant and aligned with the needs of our member schools.”
Proposal 1: Coach/Director Requirements
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 3.1 and 4.1 to simplify the initial requirements for any coaching/directing role and establishing annual course requirements for five years for those without a professional teaching certificate?
- Yes: 360 votes (91.8%)
- No: 32 votes (8.2%)
Proposal 2: Transfer Exception for Children of Active Duty Military Personnel
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 3.10.4 to add a transfer exception for children of active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces who transfer due to a parent's Permanent Change of Station?
- Yes: 390 votes (99.5%)
- No: 2 votes (0.5%)
Proposal 3: Transfer Exception for Children of Non-Resident Parent Educator
Are you in favor of amending By-law 3.10.4 to add a transfer exception for children of a non-resident parent educator who is considered a regular employee per RSMo Section 167.151 who transfer at the time of employment of the parent or the next semester if the employment occurs during the school year?
- Yes: 353 votes (90.1%)
- No: 39 votes (9.9%)
Proposal 4: Transfer Exception for Refugee/Political Asylum Students
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 3.10.4 to add a transfer exception for a student who transfers due to verified humanitarian relocation from a foreign country, and the student has a Federal I-94 record indicating refugee or asylee status?
- Yes: 352 votes (89.8%)
- No: 40 votes (10.2%)
Proposal 5: Non-School Competition Exception
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 3.13.2 to adjust the Fall Non-School Competition Exception to include all sports in all seasons during the period between the first allowable practice date and the first allowable contest date, with prior approval by a school administrator?
- Yes: 348 votes (88.8%)
- No: 44 votes (11.2%)
Proposal 6: Cooperative Sponsorship Allowance
Are you in favor of amending By-Laws 3.14.6, 3.14.7, 3.14.8, 3.15.3, and 3.15.4 to include students of an approved cooperative sponsorship as allowable participants?
- Yes: 353 votes (90.1%)
- No: 39 votes (9.9%)
Proposal 7: Team Tennis Jamboree Allowance
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 3.16.7 to allow team tennis the opportunity to participate in a preseason jamboree?
- Yes: 117 votes (95.1%)
- No: 6 votes (4.9%)
Proposal 8: Speech & Debate Additional Contest After April 1
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 4.3.2 to allow one additional competition for a total of two after April 1 and prior to the Friday of Memorial Day weekend?
- Yes: 112 votes (88.9%)
- No: 14 votes (11.1%)
Proposal 9: Speech & Debate Start Time
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 4.3.4 to eliminate the start time restriction for Speech & Debate and allow this to be a local school decision?
- Yes: 126 votes (92.6%)
- No: 10 votes (7.4%)
Proposal 10: Scholar Bowl Competition Limits
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 4.4.2 to change the allowable number of Scholar Bowl competitions from specific number of duals and tournaments to a specific number of competition dates?
- Yes: 274 votes (96.5%)
- No: 10 votes (3.5%)
Proposal 11: Dance Team Competitions
Are you in favor of amending By-Law 4.5.10 to increase the number of allowable dance competitions from five competitions to seven competitions?
- Yes: 100 votes (80.6%)
- No: 24 votes (19.4%)
The Board will officially certify these results at its upcoming meeting in June. Once certified, the results will take effect on July 1, 2026.