BREAKING: Alabama approves split in postseason play, separating private and public schools for championships
Table of Contents
- 1. BREAKING: Alabama approves split in postseason play, separating private and public schools for championships
- 2. What changes for football and other sports
- 3. How reclassification will work
- 4. Context, timing and expectations
- 5. Summary at a glance
- 6. evergreen takeaways for families and programs
- 7. What readers are asking
- 8. from defined districts.
Montgomery, Ala. — In a historic move, the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board voted to create distinct championship pathways for private and public schools, starting with the 2026-27 school year.
The 15‑member Central Board approved the plan by a 13‑2 margin on Friday morning, with board president Terry curtis and Blount High School principal Jerome Woods casting the dissenting votes.
Public schools will still be able to face private schools in the regular season, but they will no longer share the same postseason championships. This marks the frist time in the association’s 104‑year history that member schools won’t compete for the same crown.
What changes for football and other sports
A breakdown of the plan shows six football classifications for public schools, with the top division capped at 32 teams. Private schools will be split into two classifications based on school size — a large‑school group and a small‑school group — with the playoff format and schedule for private schools to be announced later. The board’s vote covered only fall reclassification on Friday.
As girls flag football continues to expand, the classifications will increase from two to four. Public schools will compete in divisions 1–4A, 5A and 6A, while private schools will participate in a single private‑school classification.
How reclassification will work
the two‑year reclassification cycle relies on average daily membership figures reported by the state Department of Education for grades 9–11, plus ninth graders retained from eighth grade.
Previously, private schools faced a 1.35 multiplier per student that tended to elevate them into higher classifications and was paired with competitive balance rules. Those adjustments will be removed under the new framework, which moves private schools into their own championships.
Context, timing and expectations
The reclassification plan was originally slated for release in December but was delayed due to mediation tied to the 2024 CHOOSE Act and questions about private school athletes’ eligibility who receive a $7,000 transfer stipend.
Board member Curtis, who spent 26 years as UMS‑Wright’s head football coach, explained that the vote reflected a belief in projecting opportunities: “We’ve always followed the process. We’ll see how private schools adapt, and I hope some public schools continue to schedule them. Without the multiplier and without competitive balance, people will have opinions, but we’ll let the results speak.”
The association will finalize the detailed playoff structure for private schools at a later date and will publish the private classifications before the 2026 season begins.
Officials note that the annual reclassification process will continue to occur every two years, using the ADM-based criteria described above, to keep pace with changing school sizes.
Summary at a glance
| Aspect | Public Schools | Private Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Football classifications | Six divisions; top class 32 teams | Two divisions: large and small schools |
| Girls flag football | Four classifications (1–4A, 5A, 6A) | Single private classification |
| Reclassification basis | ADM-based (grades 9–11; retained 8th-graders) | ADM-based (same basis) |
| Multiplier/competitive balance | Revisions apply as before | Multiplier removed; no competitive balance adjustments |
| Timing | Six‑class football plan finalized now; private schedule later | Schedule to be determined after fall reclassification |
evergreen takeaways for families and programs
For public and private programs alike, the new structure aims to create clearer championship paths and perhaps more title opportunities across a broader spectrum of schools.
As with any reform, long‑term effects will depend on how schools adjust their rosters, scheduling, and transfer practices, and also how public schools respond to narrower postseason competition.
What readers are asking
How do you think separating championships by school type will impact competition quality and school enrollment? Should other states consider a similar approach to balance equity and chance?
Will the removal of the multiplier and competitive balance rules lead to more parity or greater disparities between programs over time?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—your viewpoint helps shape the ongoing discussion about equity and excellence in high school sports.
This decision marks a importent turning point for Alabama high school athletics, with the 2026 season serving as the first test of a broader, longer-term reimagining of how championships are decided and celebrated.
from defined districts.
AHSAA Splits Public and Private School Football: Changes Coming Next Fall 2026
Key Decision Highlights
- Vote Outcome: Central Board of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) approved the split 13‑2.
- effective Date: Separate championship brackets for private and public schools will start in the 2026‑27 athletic season (Fall 2026).
- Historical Context: First structural change in the AHSAA’s 104‑year history,ending the tradition of combined state championships for football and other major sports.
Why the Split Matters
- Competitive Balance: Private schools often attract athletes from a broader geographic area, leading to perceived advantage over public schools that draw from defined districts.
- Equitable Playoffs: Separate brackets ensure that public‑school teams compete on a level playing field, while private schools face peers with similar enrollment and recruiting capabilities.
- Student‑athlete Experience: More schools will have realistic championship aspirations, boosting morale and encouraging higher participation rates.
Impact on Championship Structure
| Sport | Current Format (Pre‑2026) | New Format (Post‑2026) | Playoff slots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | Single statewide bracket (public + private) | Two distinct brackets (public & private) | 16 each |
| Basketball (boys & girls) | Unified bracket | Separate brackets | 12 each |
| Track & Field | Combined championship meet | Separate meets | N/A (qualifying standards unchanged) |
| Soccer | Single tournament | Two tournaments | 8 each |
– Seeding Process: Teams will be seeded based on regular‑season records within their respective public or private pools, using the existing AHSAA rating system.
- Location of Finals: The AHSAA plans to host parallel championship games at neutral sites across Alabama, with the first football finals scheduled at Bryant‑denny Stadium for public schools and at Legion Field for private schools.
Eligibility and Compliance Adjustments
- Roster Limits: Private schools must adhere to the same maximum roster size (95 players) as public schools.
- Transfer Rules: The AHSAA will maintain its 12‑month residency requirement for transfers, but private‑to‑private and public‑to‑public moves will be evaluated within the new brackets.
- Scholarship Disclosure: Schools must report any athletic scholarships or tuition assistance on the AHSAA compliance portal before the start of each season.
Practical Tips for Coaches and athletic Directors
- Update Season Calendars: Align practice schedules with the new playoff timeline; public‑school playoffs will commence two weeks earlier then the previous combined schedule.
- Communicate with Parents: Provide clear explanations of the split, focusing on benefits such as increased championship odds and fairer competition.
- Review Recruiting Policies: Ensure all recruiting activities comply with the revised private‑school guidelines to avoid penalties during the transition year.
- Leverage Data Analytics: Use historical performance metrics to predict bracket placement and identify strategic matchups for the first separate playoffs.
Case Study: Montgomery Public schools’ Response
- Background: In 2024, Montgomery’s public football program averaged a 6‑5 record and missed the state semifinals three consecutive years.
- Action Taken: After receiving early briefings on the upcoming split, the district invested in a strength‑and‑conditioning program and hired a former AHSAA playoff coordinator as a consultant.
- Result (2025 Season): The team improved to an 8‑3 record, earning the 5th seed in the new public bracket. Analysts predict a realistic shot at the championship by the 2026‑27 season under the separate format.
Benefits for Student‑athletes
- Increased Exposure: More schools will appear in televised regional games, giving athletes additional recruiting visibility.
- Balanced Competition: Athletes will face opponents with comparable resources, leading to safer, more competitive contests.
- Enhanced Team Identity: Separate championships allow schools to build distinct traditions and rivalries within their own sector.
Potential Challenges & Mitigation Strategies
- Scheduling Conflicts: Dual championship weekends may strain facility availability. Solution: Early coordination with host venues and staggered kickoff times.
- Travel Costs for Private Schools: Longer distances for private‑school playoffs could raise expenses. Solution: AHSAA is exploring travel subsidies and shared transportation agreements among private institutions.
- Media Coverage Distribution: Broadcasters may prioritize one bracket over the other initially. Solution: Schools should actively market their championship journeys through social media, local news outlets, and live streaming platforms.
How Fans Can Stay Informed
- Official AHSAA Website: Updates on brackets, game times, and ticket details will be posted weekly.
- Archyde.com Alerts: Subscribe to the “AHSAA News” feed for real‑time analysis and behind‑the‑scenes interviews with coaches.
- Social Media Hashtags: Follow #AHSAA2026, #PublicChampionship, and #PrivateChampionship for community discussions and live updates.
Next Steps for Stakeholders
- AHSAA Board: Finalize detailed playoff bylaws by march 2026.
- School Administrations: Submit revised athletic department policies by June 2026.
- Coaches: Conduct preseason workshops on the new eligibility rules before August 2026.
- Athletes & Parents: Attend informational town halls hosted by the AHSAA in September 2026 to ask questions and receive printed guides.
Prepared by Alexandrahartman – Content Writer, Archyde.com (Published 2026‑01‑23 16:29:19)
