The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) is the governing body for high school sports and other school competitions in Oklahoma. Most schools are members and pay a fee to be a part of OSSAA. Think of it as the high school equivalent of the NCAA.

The most recent tax year, 2024, shows that the OSSAA collected $9.7 million in revenue, with net income of $1.3 million. Fully 83 percent of that revenue came from public school dues and fees. Since 2021, OSSAA has generated more than $4.4 million in net income. OSSAA’s executive director, David Jackson, is paid $241,764 annually. He was hired in 2016 at a starting salary and compensation package of $144,000. OSSAA has a 15 member board of directors made up of superintendents and principals. Pay for serving board board members ranged from $0 to $1,650.

In much the same way as the NCAA, the OSSAA has at times found itself at odds with students and schools over what feel like arbitrary and heavy-handed punishments. For example, a recent decision by OSSAA has barred four high-school boys from playing basketball. After a series of lawsuits by parents and students against the OSSAA, state lawmakers have begun to look at dismantling the association.