The Alabama High School Athletic Association is reviewing how public and private schools compete in postseason championships after administrators and coaches raised concerns about competitive balance and scheduling challenges, but no formal proposal has been released.

THE FACTS

Under the current system, the AHSAA uses a seven-classification structure, 1A through 7A, grouping schools primarily by enrollment. Classifications are re-evaluated every two years. Public schools report traditional enrollment figures, while private schools use a 1.35 multiplier to adjust for perceived advantages. 

In some cases, a success-based adjustment can move a private school into a higher classification for certain sports. For example, Montgomery Catholic was moved up from 4A to 5A after winning the title in 2023, and now may be moved up to 6A because of continued success. 

There are roughly 420 member schools in the association, fewer than 60 are private schools. Despite their smaller numbers, private schools have reached multiple state championship games in football in recent seasons and have captured several titles, including two of the seven this past year. 

The AHSAA postponed its reclassification meeting until Jan. 23 in part to allow additional time to study whether postseason brackets should be adjusted for private schools. The decision will affect classifications and playoff formats for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.

TIME FOR CHANGE?

Other states handle public and private competition differently. Some, including Louisiana, Virginia, Texas, New York and New Jersey, separate private schools into their own playoff divisions. Others continue to mix public and private schools like the current AHSAA system, and adjust classifications based on enrollment, competitive history or other factors. 

As someone with experience in Louisiana high school sports, I've seen how the LHSAA separates "Select" and "Non-Select" schools into distinct playoff divisions to maintain competitive balance. Select schools, that admit students based on specialized programs such as STEM or arts magnet academies, compete in their own brackets, while traditional public schools in Non-Select divisions face each other. 

Each division is further split by school size, and top seeds receive first-round byes to reward regular-season success. The playoff structure ensures teams compete against schools with similar enrollment and admission policies, supposedly creating a fairer postseason environment. 

The AHSAA has not yet announced any changes, but should there be? Whether it's separating postseason brackets or just modifications to classifications, the association is clearly evaluating options; maybe there is a solution for both sides of the coin. As the discussion continues, Alabama may look in the direction of other states for ideas on balancing competition between public and private schools.