The GHSA is a voluntary organization composed of over 400 public and private high schools. It strives to promote good sportsmanship and a cooperative spirit among its member schools. It endeavors to maintain high standards so that each pupil competing in each school is on the same basis. In the field of athletics its interest is the safety of the participants ; it is on this principle that its athletic rules are based. The GHSA operates under a Constitution and By-Laws which outlines the scope and purpose of the Association. It contains the standards of eligibility to be met by high school pupils for attaining the privilege of participation in interschool contests, and rules controlling the participation among schools. By adoption of the Constitution and By-Laws through its membership, member schools have by their initiative acted to operate and discipline their interscholastic activities and contests. Schools are divided in classification according to size so that schools will have an opportunity to compete for honors among schools of their own size. The state is divided into regions in each classification. Each region is operated by the schools in the region. Some events are held as statewide events open to all schools. Some events are held on elimination basis with the region competing in state events in the various classifications. The GHSA provides services to its member schools in the organization and administration of Region and State events in the following: BOYS: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Wrestling - GIRLS: Basketball, Cheerleading ( co-ed ), Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Riflery, Fast Pitch Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball - LITERARY: Dramatic Interpretation, Essay, Extemporaneous Speaking, One Act Plays, Quartet, Spelling, Trio, Vocal Solo. The GHSA sets standards for the registration, training, and evaluation of officials in all competitive activities. Rule books are distributed and rules clinics for coaches and officials are held throughout the state by GHSA-trained instructors. In football and basketball, more than 75 trained evaluators circulate around the state weekly to assess the work of the officials. The State Office of the GHSA is located in Thomaston, Georgia. Information such as bulletins, materials, rules publications and press releases are available from this office. Any request for information should be directed to GHSA, P Postfach 271, GA 30286 Thomaston Telephone 706-647-7473. The GHSA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations - an organization of State High School Associations united to solve problems common to such organizations and to secure the benefit of cooperative research and action.