California Interscholastic Federation — Developing Student-Athletes of Character
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Developing student-athletes of character across California.

The California Interscholastic Federation governs high school athletics for more than 1,600 member schools — championing equity, quality, and the values that prepare young people for life beyond the field.

Explore CIF Programs
1,600+Member schools
10Geographic sections
Since 1914Serving California

Athletic competition as an integral part of education.

CIF is uniquely positioned to foster student growth in values and ethics — strengthening the integrity of students and adults statewide.

Founded in 1914, CIF administers and promotes high school athletics through the organization of state championship events, parent and coaching education, and the accreditation of sports officials. Guided by the ideal of Pursuing Victory with Honor, we promote sportsmanship, honesty, and quality academics in every contest.

CIF is organized under the California Department of Education and governed by the Federated Council, made up of superintendents, principals, athletic directors, and educators from ten semi-autonomous sections.

Federated CouncilStatewide governance
Nonprofit since 1977State of California
Sacramento, CAState office

Equity

Equal opportunity for all students regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity across every aspect of the athletic program.

Quality

Continuously evaluating and improving programs to better serve the needs of schools and the state.

Character

Advancing trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship through sport.

Academics

Reinforcing strong academic standards so students succeed in the classroom and in competition.

Programs & initiatives

From state championships to safety education, CIF delivers the services that keep educational athletics thriving across California.

State Championships

The organization and operation of CIF State championship events across a full calendar of sports each season.

View championships

Sports Medicine & Safety

Up-to-date health resources on heat illness, concussion management, and student-athlete wellbeing.

Safety resources

Inclusive Sports

Unified Teams and Para-Athlete competition that build a culture of inclusion for students of all abilities.

Explore inclusion

Coach & Official Education

Free online courses and accreditation that equip coaches and officials to lead with skill and integrity.

Browse courses

Esports Initiative

Education-based competitive gaming that connects gameplay to STEAM skills and career-ready abilities.

About esports

Scholarship & Recognition

Honors programs including Scholar-Athletes of the Year that celebrate excellence on and off the field.

See recognition

Be part of educational athletics in California.

Whether you lead a school, coach a team, or cheer from the stands, CIF connects you to the resources, rules, and community that make high school sports possible.

Connect With CIF
Member SchoolsGovernance, eligibility, and championship access
Coaches & OfficialsFree training, accreditation, and certification
Parents & StudentsResources for a positive athletic experience

Championships & events

Spring 2026 state championship season is underway across California.

Full calendar
03May

CIF Regional Badminton Championships

Regional badminton play advancing top competitors toward state honors.

Regional
09May

CIF USTA Boys Tennis Championships

State-level boys tennis competition presented in partnership with USTA.

State Final
10May

Boys Volleyball State Championships

California's premier boys volleyball teams meet for the state title.

State Final
16May

CIF State Swimming & Diving Championships

Elite swimmers and divers compete across individual and team events.

State Final
21May

CIF Scholar-Athletes of the Year

Recognizing student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and character.

Recognition

News & announcements

The latest from the CIF state office and member sections.

Partnership
May 5, 2026

CIF announces Yes Day launch partnership ahead of the 2026–27 athletic year

A new collaboration designed to expand opportunity and engagement for student-athletes statewide as CIF prepares for the upcoming season.

Read full story
Publication
May 4, 2026

CIF News — Spring 2026, Vol. XLVII No. 3

The newest edition of the CIF newsletter highlights stories from across the state.

Read full story
Championships
May 5, 2026

Spring state championship results now available

Recaps and brackets from tennis, volleyball, and swimming & diving competition.

Read full story

Partners & allied organizations

Working alongside trusted organizations to serve California's student-athletes.

California Department of Education
NFHS
Special Olympics California
USTA
NASEF Esports
CIF Federated Council

Pursuing victory with honor.

For more than a century, CIF has shaped the high school experience — building athletes who are better citizens.

“

CIF's emphasis on character and sportsmanship gave our student-athletes a framework that reaches far beyond the scoreboard. It shapes how they show up in the classroom and the community.

AD
Athletic DirectorCIF Member School
“

The free coaching and safety courses raised the standard across our entire program. Our coaches feel prepared, supported, and accountable to something bigger.

HC
Head CoachCIF Section Program
800K+Student-athlete participants
110+Years of service
10Geographic sections
20+Free education courses

Get in touch with CIF.

Questions about eligibility, championships, or membership? Reach the state office or connect with your local section.

State Office4658 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone(916) 239-4477  ·  Fax (916) 239-4478
SectionsConnect with one of CIF's ten geographic sections

Send a message

Tell us how we can help and the right team will follow up.

We typically respond within two business days.