AHSAA Central Board Approves 2026-28 School Year Reclassification System
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control has made significant updates to the classification system for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. The newly approved plan will feature six classifications for public schools and two for private institutions, replacing the previous seven-class system that has been in effect since 2014-15.
New Classification System Details
This revision aims to provide more championship opportunities within the AHSAA. Notably, the Central Board has eliminated the 1.35 multiplier for private schools that had been applied since 1999, along with competitive balance factors imposed since 2018.
According to AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon, “The landscape of education-based athletics in Alabama is changing, and the AHSAA must continue to adapt.” This restructuring is designed to enhance the championship experience for student-athletes across the state and will take effect for the next two academic years.
Division Assignments for Member Schools
While public and private schools will engage in separate divisions for post-season championships, they can still schedule and compete against each other during the regular season.
The 2026-27 and 2027-28 classifications will be as follows:
- Class 6A: 32 schools
- Class 5A: 64 schools
- Class 4A: 66 schools
- Class 3A: 66 schools
- Class 2A: 65 schools
- Class 1A: 69 schools
- Private Class Double A: 17 schools
- Private Class Single A: 43 schools
With these changes, a total of 425 high schools are affiliated with the AHSAA, including two associate public school members and one associate private school.
Planned Enhancements for Football and Volleyball
The AHSAA is also assessing the Class 6A model to potentially allow more teams to progress in the state football playoffs. Additionally, there may be an introduction of a sub-regional round for the state volleyball playoffs, similar to existing basketball formats.
Following the completion of fall sports championship play, alignments for winter and spring sports will be determined. Notably, the girls’ flag football program, currently in its third year, will expand to three divisions for public schools and one for private schools.
Conclusion
Harmon emphasized that this reclassification effort responds to demands for greater financial flexibility among private schools while ensuring fair play. The AHSAA will now classify private institutions solely based on enrollment rather than previous competitive assessments.
Central Board of Control President Terry Curtis commended the board’s hard work, stating, “I know they did what they knew was right for kids.” Harmon expressed gratitude toward the Central Board and AHSAA staff for their collaboration in developing this strategy to advance educational athletics in Alabama.
