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The Connecticut Student Activities Conference, commonly referred to as CSAC, is a division of the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).

CSAC is charged by the constitution of CAS with the responsibility of regulating all interschool activities of a NON-Athletic nature where schools in more than two districts are involved.

“The CSAC Board of Control shall consist of one representative from each of the three high school classifications, two representatives each from the middle schools and the elementary schools and five members-at-large. Two of the five at-large members may be assistant principals. A principal shall serve as Chairperson.” (Article VI, CAS Constitution)

CSAC meets periodically to review and act upon applications for new or renewal activities submitted by schools and outside organizations seeking CSAC sanction. A majority vote decides approval, disapproval or no jurisdiction. CSAC posts a listing of approved activities on the CAS-CIAC website.

Art contests, research projects, essay contests, community parades, marching band contests, quiz bowls, video projects, choir contests, commercial contest that benefit schools with capitol improvement projects, and college fairs are just a few examples of project requests that come before CSAC.

All member schools within CAS come under the jurisdiction of CSAC. Through the annual act of applying for membership in CAS, member schools voluntarily agree to abide by all of the rules and regulations which govern the association’s members. Member schools, therefore, are required to comply with the rulings of CSAC on activities within its jurisdiction.

Sponsors of activities must be established and recognized organizations, institutions, or associations and must be approved by CSAC. Sponsors must submit an online application to CSAC at least 60 days before the proposed date of the activity. In order to be placed on the approved list for the ensuing year, sponsors should submit applications by June 1.

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Criteria used by the CSAC in evaluating activities include the following:

• The activity must be educationally sound, worthwhile and stimulating.
• The activity must not place undue burdens or obligations on students, their families, teachers or schools.
• The activity shall not be more than minimally commercial in its presentation or promotion, shall not be sectarian, and shall not promote or exploit issues controversial in nature or whose advocacy would be inappropriate for students.
• The activity must not exclude any student because of race, handicap, color, creed or gender except where such activities have been developed expressly to compensate for lack of opportunity for members of such groups.
• The activity must be well planned and organized and must provide for the adequate supervision and welfare of participating students at all times.
• Essay contests, which will be considered on their merits, are limited to those which promote good writing as process, which are properly supervised by educational agencies, and which do not interfere with the sound educational practices of a school. Essay contests approved by the NASSP or sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education and by professional educational organizations will be approved. Essay contests judged by the Board to be commercial in nature will be disapproved.
• Activities should be scheduled on non-school time. If scheduled during school time, every effort must be made to avoid excessive loss of school time. The loss of more than one school day will be considered excessive. Rare exceptions will be made if the activity is subject- related and provides a learning experience not usually available in the traditional school curriculum.
• Adequate and responsible adult supervision approved by the school administration must be provided for all activities.
• Reasonable registration or entry fees may be assessed, subject to the approval of the CSAC.
• A MEMBER SCHOOL MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY INTERSCHOLASTIC ACTIVITY WHICH THE CSAC HAS RULED “NOT APPROVED.”
• Student activities will not be approved for Sunday under normal circumstances.
• School groups may participate in community-sponsored parades at any time at the discretion of the local school administration.
• In the case of out-of-state activities approved by a local school system, and upon application to CSAC, approval will be given when schools are invited to participate because of merit/excellence of an outstanding individual/group of students. Any unusual/special circumstances not covered by the above will be reviewed by the CSAC.
• It is the responsibility of the principals of member schools to determine the status of interscholastic activities. When in doubt, the principal should contact the Board chair or CAS for clarification.

Requests for application for the approval of an activity or any questions concerning the status of an activity or other matters over which the CSAC has jurisdiction may be addressed by phone or letter to the CAS central office liaison, Cherese Miller, 30 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT 06410.(203) 250-1111 Fax:(203) 250-1345.