Roseburg Community Pushes Back Against Proposed OSAA Conference Realignment

ROSEBURG, Ore. A major decision by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) could reshape the future of Roseburg High School athletics for years to come, prompting urgent calls from families, coaches, and district leaders for more time and community input before the plan is finalized.

OSAA is proposing to place Roseburg High School in a newly created six-A Southern Oregon Conference that would include only four schools: Roseburg, Grants Pass, North Medford, and South Medford. The recommendation dissolves the current Southwest Hybrid and reduces the competitive field for Southern Oregon schools.

If approved at OSAA’s December 15 meeting, this alignment would remain in place through 2030, leaving Roseburg athletes with fewer league opponents than every other 6A conference in Oregon, most of which will contain six to nine schools.

District officials warn the proposal would significantly impact all sports programs at Roseburg High School. A four-team conference would result in:

• Fewer guaranteed league games
• Reduced competitive variety
• More time spent traveling outside the region to complete schedules
• Higher transportation costs for families and the district
• More missed class time
• Greater scheduling strain on coaches and athletic staff
• Fewer opportunities for Roseburg athletes to be seen by college recruiters

These concerns highlight what district leaders describe as an equity imbalance, since no other region in Oregon would have such a drastically reduced 6A league structure.

Every 6A school outside Southern Oregon will continue to compete in larger, more balanced conferences. Roseburg athletes, by contrast, would face increased travel demands simply to secure a full season schedule.

Leagues such as the Metro, Mt. Hood, Three Rivers, and Central Valley conferences will all have six to nine teams. Only the proposed Southern Oregon Conference would contain four.

Roseburg, Medford, and Grants Pass districts argue this creates unequal access to competition, visibility, and athletic development for Southern Oregon students.

Roseburg School District, joined by Grants Pass and Medford school districts, is urging OSAA to delay the vote. A brief postponement would give the region time to present alternative solutions, which may include:

• Redistribution of teams to create balanced conferences statewide
• Adjusting Roseburg High School to a 5A classification
• Exploring different conference models that reduce travel and support student well-being

OSAA’s document confirms that the Final Recommendation is not the final step. Member schools and the public may submit written feedback or present testimony before the Executive Board votes on December 15.

With the vote scheduled for December 15, community feedback is critical.

Residents can email OSAA directly at kellyf@osaa.org to request a pause in the decision-making process and share how the proposal may impact Roseburg families and athletes.

District leaders also encourage the community to continue discussing the issue and sharing concerns to help strengthen the collective voice calling for a fair and equitable solution.

Roseburg students and coaches have a strong tradition of competitive excellence and community pride. District officials say they simply want the same opportunities offered to other 6A programs across Oregon.

The OSAA Executive Board will consider public feedback and vote on the Final Recommendation on December 15, 2025 in Wilsonville.

Information provided by Roseburg School District