The GHSA has had five classifications since the 2000 season. The organization is researching numerous ideas to improve the current setup, and will make a proposal at next month's executive committee meeting for vote. Any changes would take effect in the fall of 2012. Here are the four popular ideas:
Reduce to three classifications
What would happen: Reduce to three classifications with six state championships. In each class, the schools split into two divisions for the postseason based on enrollment to compete for state championships (for example, Class AAA Div. I champion and Class AAA Div. II champion).
Advantages: Schools would play schools closer in proximity during the regular season, and closer in student population during the playoffs.
Disadvantages: With so many teams in each classification, large differences in school sizes might remain for teams competing against each other in the playoffs.
Reduce to four classifications
What would happen: Reduce to four classifications with eight state championships. In each class, the schools split into two divisions for the postseason based on enrollment to compete for state championships.
Advantages: Schools would play local opponents during regular season, and schools with similar enrollment during the postseason. More state championships would be awarded member schools.
Disadvantages: The GHSA has eight state championships instead of five, and is forced to radically change scheduling for all playoff tournaments. For example, there would be 16 basketball championships (girls and boys) instead of 10, extending the length of days for the final playoff rounds held at one specific site. Also, cross country would likely be split into two days of championships rather than one.
Stay at five classifications
What would happen: Maintain the current setup while making small tweaks. The GHSA might address specific issues, such as too many or too few schools in a region and the proximity of schools to each other in a region.
Advantages: Simplicity, keeping things intact from the past 11 years.
Disadvantages: There would still be unresolved issues that caused the reclassification committee to examine alternative plans this year.
Expand to six classifications
What would happen: Expand from five to six classifications with six state championships.
Advantages: Simplicity, compared with other ideas for an overhaul. One classification would be added, similar to what the GHSA did for the 2000 season. Many longtime procedures (playoff brackets, etc.) would be maintained, while also addressing current complaints.
Disadvantages: It's unclearwhere to create the extra classification: Among the largest schools (Class AAAAA and AAAA), middle-sized schools or smallest?
Note: None of these are proposals, but rather ideas being considered for proposals. The GHSA's reclassification committee will meet on March 20 to decide on a proposal to present the next day for the executive committee to vote upon.
Michael Carvell
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