GHSA discusses new way to classify schools – dropping traditional enrollment model

Earlier this week, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) discussed a proposed major change that could reclassify schools based on athletic success rather than enrollment, starting in 2026. The GHSA Competitive Balance Reclassification Model was presented to the GHSA’s 75-member executive committee, which is considering the plan. The proposal suggests that the top five most successful sports programs in each class would move up a classification every two years, while the bottom five would move down. Enrollment would only serve as the starting point.

GHSA executive director Tim Scott and associate director Don Corr, who helped develop the model, led the discussion. No vote was taken, but the hope is for the committee to consider adopting the proposal by next spring to allow time for implementation.

Corr explained that the plan is designed to help schools struggling to compete in their current classifications: “If they move down, they might experience more success and rebuild their programs. Schools dominating in all sports would move up and still compete effectively.”

The proposed model would also eliminate the current public-private school split, allowing private schools to compete with public schools in regular season games and state playoffs.

The GHSA plans to use a points system, based on data from 2022 to 2025, to determine which schools move up or down. Points would be assigned based on performance in state tournaments, with higher participation sports earning more points. For example, football champions would earn 100 points, while champions in sports with fewer participants, like gymnastics, would earn fewer points.

If the plan is approved, powerhouse programs like Marist and Westminster could be in the highest classification by the 2028-29 school year.

If the executive committee ultimately rejects the proposal, GHSA will return to the traditional method of reclassification based on enrollment, which currently places schools with over 2,000 students in Class 6A and those with fewer than 800 in Class A.

Scott voiced his support for the new model, emphasizing the need for more balanced competition. “It’s about creating fairer competition,” Scott said. “We want to give every young athlete a better chance to compete and win.”

This report is based on information from GHSF Daily.