And really, that's about it in terms of the CIF and the CIF-Southern Section's power as an executive body. Yes, the section and the state office do apply sanctions when rules, regulations or standards are violated. But the schools are responsible for making sure the rules are followed. They should, too, because they made those rules. Changes in rules in the Southern Section must be proposed and approved by the CIF-Southern Section Council, which is the true governing body of the section.
Members are district superintendents, principals, and other school administrators.
The Council makes rules on everything from athletic eligibility to league affiliation. Interpretations of those rules are made by the Executive Committee, members of which must have the same qualifications necessary to be on the Council. The Executive Committee is the section's administrative body, but its actions must be approved by the Council before they go into effect. The Southern Section is composed of 520 schools, making it the largest section in the nation in terms of membership. The section's office staff consists of 14 people.