WILSONVILLE — North Powder Superintendent Lance Dixon joined with Triangle Lake Superintendent Adam Watkins to ask the Oregon School Activities Association’s Football Ad Hoc Committee to provide 1A schools time to discuss proposals regarding 8-man and 6-man football.

The two traveled to Wilsonville Wednesday, Jan. 10, to testify before the committee, empowered to advise on changes for the upcoming football season. Prior to listening to any testimony, the committee announced plans to make recommendations and have decisions made by the OSAA Executive Board by Feb. 15.

Both Dixon and Watkins opened their testimony asking the committee to decide the purpose of 6-man football in the state. The current model considers a school’s student population minus socioeconomic factors. Powder Valley, a team that played in a state championship game in 2021, now could play 6-man football, according to the criteria.

“Powder Valley qualifies for 6-man,” Dixon said. “We had schools with 2A student numbers playing 6-man football this past season. What we are asking for is a system that creates safe and equitable play for everyone.”

Citing his own school as an example, Dixon said the school currently has 67 students. Using the socioeconomic factor of free lunches provided, the Badgers are a 33-student school for determining athletic leagues.

“I think we need to start looking at the historic roster sizes of teams,” he said. “I love 8-man football but also think we need a system to protect the 6-man system.”

Watkins said his district, in Triangle Lake, has seen a decline in enrollment.

“We now have 14-year olds playing against 17-year olds and that is not safe,” he said. “What we are asking for is this committee pause until you receive input from 1A schools. We need time to ask our coaches, our athletic directors and our school boards for input.”

Dixon added that unlike larger schools, 1A schools often wait until just before the start of the season to complete schedules.

“We do need to have time to allow us to discuss and come up with a plan,” he said.

Dixon and Watkins received support to their request from Pilot Rock Superintendent Troy Jerome, testifying electronically for the meeting.

“1A is a whole different group and I would also ask you to pause,” he said. “We are not in a position right now to even decide what football we will be playing in the fall.”

In response, members of the committee stated all schools had the opportunity to address concerns a number of times through correspondence and in electronic meetings.

The conclusion of testimony from Dixon, Watkins and Jerome was met with the committee breaking into a work session, closed to the public and schools.

An additional public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 24 to continue discussions on exactly what football will look like come fall.