OK for the past several years, I have promoted the idea of promotion and relegation. I know that it will never happen. I have suggested an Open Classification with taking historically great teams (using Laz's Best Since 1999), take the top 64 and put them in a new classification and allow them to play. Again, I know it will go nowhere.
So after looking at Georgia and Texas HS Classifications... I thought I would try my hand for Florida
First, we take a 5 year average of populations. 5 year averages allow for consistency in terms of numbers and don’t allow a random increase or decrease to affect whether you move up or down. Simple reason why, Jones High School (Orlando) jumped nearly 400 students from previous years and is double what they were in 2013.
Second, Trenton moves back to 1A. None of the nearly 1A Rural schools (Fort White, Newberry, Taylor Pierson) have an average that is below 600.
Third, Bolles and Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) stay in the bigger division with districts. Since that was their concern. If they don’t want to stay, we can move them back to the correct classification. Both would be in the new "3A"
Fourth, Biggest 256 teams in 1 Classification divided into 32 districts with ~8 teams in each district. Top 3 teams make the playoffs. Of the 3 teams, the team with the biggest population goes into Division 1, next biggest to Divison 2, last in team size goes to Division 3. Teams are seeded by power points.
Fifth, the remaining 215 are divided into 4 classifications of about 54 teams and subdivided into 4 regions. Power Points determines who makes the playoffs.
Positives of the new system:
No small classifications.and no small districts
FHSAA is happy as it keeps 8 classifications $$$
In 6A, best teams do actually make the playoffs as they had to play 6 to 8 district games.
In 1A to 5A, teams still get flexibility with their schedules.
Negatives:
I know there are some, but I will let others point them out.
So after looking at Georgia and Texas HS Classifications... I thought I would try my hand for Florida
First, we take a 5 year average of populations. 5 year averages allow for consistency in terms of numbers and don’t allow a random increase or decrease to affect whether you move up or down. Simple reason why, Jones High School (Orlando) jumped nearly 400 students from previous years and is double what they were in 2013.
Second, Trenton moves back to 1A. None of the nearly 1A Rural schools (Fort White, Newberry, Taylor Pierson) have an average that is below 600.
Third, Bolles and Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) stay in the bigger division with districts. Since that was their concern. If they don’t want to stay, we can move them back to the correct classification. Both would be in the new "3A"
Fourth, Biggest 256 teams in 1 Classification divided into 32 districts with ~8 teams in each district. Top 3 teams make the playoffs. Of the 3 teams, the team with the biggest population goes into Division 1, next biggest to Divison 2, last in team size goes to Division 3. Teams are seeded by power points.
Fifth, the remaining 215 are divided into 4 classifications of about 54 teams and subdivided into 4 regions. Power Points determines who makes the playoffs.
Positives of the new system:
No small classifications.and no small districts
FHSAA is happy as it keeps 8 classifications $$$
In 6A, best teams do actually make the playoffs as they had to play 6 to 8 district games.
In 1A to 5A, teams still get flexibility with their schedules.
Negatives:
I know there are some, but I will let others point them out.
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