Reaction to the decision has been mixed, with some school leaders expressing disappointment and concern over travel, exposure, and long-term effects.
The change, approved by the AHSAA Central Board of Control, will take effect for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years and is expected to significantly impact schools across the state — particularly private schools.
Under the new system, public schools will compete in six classifications, 1A through 6A, eliminating Class 7A. Private schools will compete separately in two classifications: Single A and Double A. While public and private schools can still face each other during the regular season, postseason play will now be divided. Three private schools in the Wiregrass are expected to feel the greatest impact. Reaction to the decision has been mixed, with some school leaders expressing disappointment and concern over travel, exposure, and long-term effects. Providence Christian Athletic Director Cliff Carter was critical of the decision, calling it a breakdown in leadership. “We feel this is a failure of leadership and communication to have essentially lost 60 member schools by separating them into a separate playoff division and championship format,” Carter said. “We think it’s a negative for everybody.” Some public schools say they are taking a more neutral stance but acknowledge the changes will still affect their programs — particularly when it comes to travel. Abbeville Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Robin Tyra said the reclassification moves his school out of its traditional Wiregrass region and farther west, creating new challenges. “You pulled us from the Wiregrass region and put us into almost central Alabama — over to the west side of the state — as far as travel,” Tyra said. “But like I said, it is what it is. Who’s going to stand beside me and make the call for us? Nobody cares about us.” AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon emphasized that the association remains unified despite the postseason changes.AHSAA officials say the goal of the restructuring is to expand opportunities and strengthen the championship experience for student-athletes statewide. “To expand opportunity and strengthen the overall championship experience for student-athletes across Alabama,” Harmon said. “All championships will be played together — both public and private — at our championship venues.” The new classification model returns the AHSAA to a structure used prior to 2014 and will include 425 member schools during the upcoming cycle.“It’s just common sense to know some schools are going to benefit, depending on where you fall,” Tyra said. “Do you fall up? Do you fall down? Most schools would rather fall down, but depending on where you land, it could be pretty rough.” Beyond scheduling and travel, some school leaders worry about how the split could affect student-athletes hoping to play at the next level. “We’ve got students trying to figure out what this does for exposure,” Carter said. “We have kids trying to get college opportunities or scholarships, and this is going to lessen their exposure. They’re asking, ‘Coach, what does our future really look like?’”“There is quite a bit of chaos,” the official said. “A lot of schools and parents are upset, and some big decisions are ahead.”RELATED: New 2026-28 football region lineups for Wiregrass teams revealed For private schools, Northside Methodist and Providence Christian will compete in Single A, while Houston Academy will represent the Wiregrass in Double A. News4 reached out to both Houston Academy and Northside Methodist, but neither responded to the matter. Despite concerns, schools say they will work to preserve traditional rivalries through non-region scheduling while adapting to the new structure. For now, the AHSAA’s decision marks a significant shift in Alabama high school athletics — one that schools, athletes, and communities will continue to navigate in the coming years. Download the WTVY News4 app to get alerts and stories the moment they are published. Available for FREE in the
AHSAA AHSAA Realignment AHSAA Public Private Split Alabama High School Sports High School Sports WTVY WTVY News4 WTVY News 4
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Illinois school closings tomorrow: How to check if your school is closed due to extreme coldSome Illinois schools have already announced closures, but Chicago Public Schools has not.
Read more »
Chicago Public Schools announces all schools closed Friday ahead of extremely cold conditionsChicago Public Schools on Thursday announced all schools will be closed Friday due to the cold, with no remote learning scheduled.
Read more »
AHSAA undergoes “competitive restructuring,” private and public schools split for championshipsFull structuring of the new classifications for postseason play and tiebreakers are expected to be announced at future meetings, according to the association.
Read more »
Will Ainsworth criticizes AHSAA for ‘boneheaded’ decision to split public, private schools'The governing board will be remembered for extinguishing the flame of competitiveness.'
Read more »
‘A lot of questions’: Private school officials react to AHSAA’s public-private splitTravel is one of several issues coaches, administrators are showing concern about after Friday's decision.
Read more »
Philadelphia schools superintendent on proposal to close 20 city schoolsPhiladelphia could close about 20 schools in a proposal to modernize buildings. Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. explains the changes.
Read more »