The AHSAA Central Board voted 13-2 in favor of separating public and private schools for championship play, effective in the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years.
Public and private schools will continue to compete against each other during the regular season.
Private schools will be classified strictly based on enrollment, without the 1.35 multiplier or competitive balance assessments previously used.
Public schools will have six classifications in football, with the top class (6A) consisting of 32 teams. Private schools will be divided into two classifications: AA and A.
Girls flag football will expand from two to four classifications, with public schools divided into 1-4A, 5A, and 6A, and private school teams playing in one classification.
Why this matters: This restructuring aims to provide expanded championship opportunities and address concerns about competitive balance between public and private schools. It changes the landscape of high school athletics in Alabama, affecting how schools strategize and compete for championships.
The AHSAA's decision to restructure postseason play comes after mediation surrounding the 2024 CHOOSE Act and its impact on the eligibility of private school athletes receiving financial aid. The previous system included a 1.35 multiplier for private school enrollment and competitive balance assessments, which have now been eliminated for championship classifications.
Under the new model:
Public Schools:: Will be divided into six classes (1A-6A) based on average daily membership figures.
Private Schools:: Will be divided into two classes (A and AA) based on enrollment numbers alone.
This change impacts not only the postseason but also how schools approach scheduling and player development. Some coaches express concern that the split may reduce regular-season games between public and private schools, while others believe it creates a fairer competitive environment for championships.
The AHSAA plans to release the playoff breakdown and schedule for private schools at a later date. The board will also need to address tiebreakers for regular-season games between public and private schools.
Q: Will public and private schools still play each other?
Yes, public and private schools will continue to compete during the regular season.
Q: How will private schools be classified?
Private schools will be classified based solely on enrollment, without multipliers or competitive balance assessments.
Q: When will the playoff brackets be released?
The AHSAA will release the playoff breakdown and schedule for private schools at a later date.
The AHSAA's restructuring creates separate championship pathways for public and private schools.
Private schools will now be classified solely on enrollment.
This change may impact regular-season scheduling and the overall competitive landscape of Alabama high school sports.
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