It continued to broaden its coverage and in 1961 changed its name to the present New Mexico Activities Association.

[4]: 14  [5]: 2 In 1997 there was a major restructuring, with the Board of Directors replacing the executive committee as the governing body.

New Mexico law (NMSA 1978 22-2-2L) gives the Public Education Department authority over "an association or organization attempting to regulate a public school activity", giving it authority to approve or disapprove rules and to require performance and financial audits, and requiring the organizations to comply with New Mexico's Open Meetings Act and its Public Records Act.

[8] NMAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations.

[10] NMAA claims to be a national leader in corporate development (that is, attracting sponsorships).

[13] NMAA-sanctioned athletics are:[14] Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Wrestling, Spirit (Cheerleading and Drill Team), NMAA-sanctioned non-athletic activities are:[15] Athletic Training Challenge, Bowling, Business Professionals of America, Chess, Choir, Concert Band, Marching Band, DECA Marketing Education, Drama / One Act Play, English Expo, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, FFA Agriculture Education, Health Occupations Students of America, Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Mock Trial, Rodeo, Scholastic Publications, Science Fair, Science Olympiad, SkillsUSA, Speech and Debate, Student Council, Technology Student Association.

It raises funds and awards scholarships to individuals and grants to school programs in the activities sanctioned by NMAA.