What: The GHSA's Executive Committee approved expanding the state's existing structure for athletic competition from six classifications to five.
When: Unless the GHSA votes for another change in its August meeting, the expansion to six classifications goes into effect in August 2012.
The skinny: The GHSA's 433 member schools will be divided into six classifications by the following percentages: Class AAAAA (15 percent of all schools), Class AAAA (15 percent), Class AAA (16 percent), Class AA (16 percent), Class A (22 percent because of 25 non-football playing schools). There will be eight regions per class.
The vote: The 4/8 plan, which proposed a reduction to four classifications that would be divided into two postseason tournaments per classification, was defeated 35-15. The six-classification plan then was proposed, passing by a 26-24 margin. Atlanta area regions were united — voting 15-0 against the 4/8 and 15-0 in favor of six classifications.
What's next: Barring a change in August, the GHSA will receive new student enrollment reports in October and divide the schools into six classifications. Members may request to play in high classifications. By mid-November, the GHSA will assign regions for each classification. In early December, the Reclassification Committee will make a final proposal to be voted upon by Executive Committee in January 2012. The new cycle would go into effect August 2012.
About the Author
