High school playoffs, classifications could change as NC schools vote on realignment
The NCHSAA has taken its first steps in its proposed changes to high school athletics classification and realignment.
The NCHSAA recently sent sample ballots that include two proposals to principals across the state. The N&O received a copy of one of the sample ballots Thursday afternoon.
The first proposal focuses on possibly alternating the number of classifications used for playoffs and realignment. North Carolina currently has four classifications in sports. One of the questions on the sample ballot reads ‘are members schools comfortable with establishing 4,5,6, etc. classifications.’
Another proposals mentions allowing all teams to qualify for the playoffs and be seeded based on rankings. That would completely eliminate regular season consideration for qualifying for the postseason.
There is also an option to move to five or six classifications for one alignment period, then choosing to go back to three or four classifications in the next alignment period. As it currently stands, realignment periods come every four years.
Proposal two is for the playoffs, where classification would occur annually.
NUMBERS TO REMEMBER
314 The number of votes needed from member schools to pass the amendments. Any school that does not submit a ballot is counted as a no.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Jan. 27 Due date for principals to submit their ballots.
April 30 - The ballot results will be announced at the NCHSAA annual meeting at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill.
March 2021 - Expected board of directors meeting for realignment proposal.
2021-2022 - The school year when the new realignment cycle is set to start.
August 2021 - When realignment and new conferences will start if proposals are approved by the board of directors.
This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 10:10 AM with the headline "High school playoffs, classifications could change as NC schools vote on realignment."
