INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Indiana High School Athletic Association Commissioner Paul Neidig is defending the role of rules in education-based athletics while drawing parallels between the IHSAA and the Indiana State Police.
In a message published by the IHSAA, Neidig reflected on growing up as the son of an Indiana State Police trooper and how that experience shaped his respect for public service and rule enforcement.
Neidig said both the IHSAA and Indiana State Police serve communities across all 92 Indiana counties and often face criticism because of their roles as regulatory organizations.
According to Neidig, the IHSAA expanded its relationship with the Indiana State Police during the 2025-26 school year, a development he described as a source of pride.
In the message, Neidig acknowledged that not all IHSAA bylaws are perfect but emphasized that the rules are intended to protect education-based athletics and ensure fairness for student-athletes across the state.
He noted that the association’s bylaws are reviewed and can be changed through a process involving elected representatives from member schools. According to Neidig, more than 30 major bylaw changes have been approved during the past five years.
Neidig said the IHSAA is not focused on punishing schools or student-athletes but instead on maintaining standards that support educational athletics throughout Indiana.
The commissioner closed by thanking the IHSAA Board of Directors, staff, member schools, and families for their commitment to education-based athletics and the association’s mission.
