Ohio High Schools May Allow Public School Students to Play Sports at Rival Schools in New Rule Change
CINCINNATI — A proposed rule change by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) could soon give public school students the chance to play sports at neighboring schools if their own doesn’t offer the program—a privilege already available to private and homeschool athletes.
The measure, voted on by OHSAA member schools this week, aims to level the playing field for students like Ju’meir Ware, a junior at Woodward Career Technical High School. Despite his passion for baseball, Ware’s school couldn’t field a team this year, leaving him with no option to compete.
“I’ve put in so much work, and now I can’t even play,” Ware said, standing near Woodward’s empty baseball diamond. “I just want one more season to finish strong.”
A Longstanding Disparity
Currently, Ohio’s public school students are barred from joining another school’s team if their own lacks the sport—unlike private, charter, or homeschooled athletes, who can already do so. Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) District Athletic Director Josh Hardin has been pushing for change.
“When I looked into it, I realized private and homeschool kids had this option, but our public school students didn’t,” Hardin said. “That needs to change.”
A similar proposal failed in a previous OHSAA vote, but supporters are optimistic this year. If passed, the rule could impact hundreds of students across CPS alone.
More Than Just a Game
Research from CPS shows student-athletes have higher attendance rates and are more likely to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better compared to non-athletes.
“Sports keep kids engaged, motivated, and in class,” Hardin said. “This isn’t about shutting down programs—it’s about giving students opportunities.”
Legislative Backup Plan
Even if the OHSAA rejects the proposal, Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would mandate the change. The voting session closed Friday, with results expected Monday.
For Ware, the decision could mean one last shot at the sport he loves. “I just want to play,” he said. “That’s all that matters.”
— Reported by Nexio News
