| All State Chapters must meet the following criteria to be a member of NFNSSAA: |
| | Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State |
| | Written By-laws that qualify the Chapter to be tax-exempt |
| | Board of Directors that oversee the Chapter |
| | Established standards for elementary and secondary schools |
| | Annual report process |
| | Annual report form |
| | Scheduled self-study for each member school and evaluations follow-ups |
| | Policy for admitting new members and terminating delinquent members |
| | A set of Guiding Principles to help prospective members |
| | A process for follow up of recommendations made by the Visiting Team |
| | Minutes of annual meetings and board meetings |
| | Appeals process for member schools who wish to challenge their status |