Alabama High School Football Reclassification Announced Today
A significant day has arrived for Alabama high school athletics. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) is unveiling its biennial reclassification today. This follows a meeting that took place this morning at 9 a.m. in Montgomery.
Details of the Reclassification Announcement
AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon will hold a press conference at the AHSAA headquarters in Montgomery. The event will be streamed live on the AHSAA TV Network. After the announcement, the complete reclassification and fall sports alignments will also be available on the AHSAA website.
Originally scheduled for release in December, the reclassification faced delays due to mediation related to the 2024 CHOOSE Act. This legislation impacts the eligibility of students who accept $7,000 to transfer to private schools.
Coaches Weigh In on Public and Private School Separation
There is considerable speculation about the potential separation between public and private schools for athletics. Bayside Academy head of school Scott Phillipps shared his thoughts, emphasizing the importance of competition. He stated, “Don’t you want your child to play against the best competition?”
The sentiment among coaches varies. A survey conducted by AL.com revealed that:
- 43% of coaches are opposed to dividing public and private schools.
- 31% believe they should be separated for championship play.
- 19% suggested adjusting the multiplier or competitive balance.
- Only 7% advocate for complete separation of the two school types.
As the reclassification announcement approaches, the outcome will likely shape the competitive landscape of Alabama high school athletics significantly.
