Coach Parker and Curt Miller discuss reclassification that occurs every 2 years in the Georgia High School Association. Dr. Miller is the leader of the Reclassification committee.
This episode covered several key topics related to Georgia high school sports reclassification:Main Discussion Areas:
- Reclassification Process Overview: How the GHSA Executive Committee works, with each region electing representatives who make rules (not the state office)
- Power Rankings Implementation: Extension of power rankings from A-3A to all classifications (A-7A), with 1-32 rankings across all classes
- Classification Changes: Renaming of divisions (bringing back 7A name while maintaining 7 total classifications)
- Current Cycle Specifics: 11 months of committee work, competitive balance considerations, multipliers, and out-of-district enrollment rules
Future Improvements Discussed:
- Pod System Proposal: Geographic grouping of schools across classifications to reduce travel and isolation issues
- Scheduling Flexibility: Allowing schools to schedule games across classification levels within pods
- Formula Refinement: Potential adoption of Maxwell power ranking formula over current PSR system
Process Details:
- Appeals process and regional balancing challenges
- Minimum 9-game requirement for power ranking eligibility
- Region champion safeguards (guaranteed top-16 placement)
- Geographic considerations vs. competitive balance
Challenges Addressed:
- Travel and isolation issues for rural schools
- Guaranteed game scheduling
- Executive committee representation
- Maintaining rivalries while improving equity
The discussion emphasized the complexity of balancing geographic, competitive, and logistical factors while serving student-athletes statewide.
