The NFHS writes the playing rules for 17 high school girls and boys sports. NFHS rules writing committees consist of individuals with diverse backgrounds in the given sport/activity. Each of the NFHS’s eight sections are represented as well as a member of the NFHS Coaches Association and the NFHS Officials Association. There are five women who serve as the chair on various committees, and we would like to spotlight these female leaders.

Jo Auch, Volleyball Chair

Jo has been an Assistant Executive Director for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) since 2008. She is the administrator for girls volleyball, competitive cheer, competitive dance, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls basketball, girls gymnastics, softball and sideline cheer. She is also responsible for the licensing, supervision and training programs for officials. Before her time at the SDHSAA office, she was an educator and athletic director. During her time in education, she coached high school volleyball, basketball and track and field. Auch also officiated high school basketball and volleyball prior to taking the position in the South Dakota office.

Stephanie Hauser, Girls Gymnastics Chair

Stephanie began her role as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) in July of 2021, after serving as assistant director since 2015. Since joining the WIAA, Hauser has been involved at the national level as well as she serves on the NFHS Student Services Committee and has presented on the "Collaboration Between State Associations and State Athletic Administrator Associations" at the 2018 NFHS Summer Meeting.

Hauser previously served as the athletic administrator and assistant principal at Stevens Point Area Senior High School for eight years. Prior to her administrative role at Stevens Point, she was the assistant principal and activities director in the New London School District from 2003-2007.

Andi Osters, Softball Chair

Andi has been at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) since May of 2005, hired after graduating from Michigan State University. Osters took over as the director in charge of softball in 2013, after serving as social media and Special Projects Coordinator. As an Assistant Director, Andi is also responsible for the administration of golf, swimming & diving and volleyball. Additionally, she assists with brand and marketing initiatives, and oversees all interstate sanctioning and out-of-state competition regulations. Andi is a freshwater lake enthusiast, mediocre golfer, and long-suffering Detroit Lions fan.

Kristine Palle, Water Polo Chair

Kristine is the senior assistant commissioner in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIFSS). She has a long history in the aquatics world that began in the 80’s when her family moved to Mission Viejo, California, to join the aquatic tradition of the Mission Viejo Nadadores. Kristine later attended Mission Viejo High School (MVHS) and returned to her alma mater shortly after college, teaching mathematics as well as coaching swimming and water polo. Kristine later became the athletic director there which inspired her transition into athletic administration. In her spare time, she is an adjunct professor at Concordia University (Irvine, California) where she teaches in its master’s program for those pursuing careers in athletic administration and leadership.

Anna Saccoccio, Field Hockey Chair

Anna is a retired middle school science teacher in Providence, RI.  She has been a field hockey official for over 33 years and was a volleyball official at the high school and college level for many years. Anna has also coached high school softball and volleyball. Anna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Springfield College, where her interest in sports officiating was piqued, and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis on General Science from Rhode Island College. 

The chair serves an important role on each rules committee, and these women have focused on elevating the mission of education-based athletics at the high school level. The NFHS is thankful for their leadership and service.