The FHSAA approves changes to classifications
After months and months of meetings, the Florida High School Athletic Association voted 12-3 on Sunday evening for the classification and district changes set for the 2019-2020 seasons, per Orlando Sentinel writer Buddy Collings.
The new plan trims the classifications down from nine to seven in an effort to make the state tournament in Lakeland that much more competitive after years of complaints. The classifications will be determined by student enrollment.
Also, the FHSAA has gone away from automatic playoff berths for district runner-up teams. The association is using Max Preps to serve as the seeding for the district and regional tournament based off their power rankings. This move mirrors the one implemented for football who uses a point based power ranking to figure out playoff routes.
This is the discussion:https://t.co/x7bpas4wdE
A story to come a bit later today.
And here is the final rendition of the #fhsaa classification and playoff plan approved today: pic.twitter.com/Y7Znsn3evs— Buddy Collings (@VarsityBuddy) October 29, 2018
Along with boy’s basketball, girl’s basketball, baseball, volleyball and both boy’s and girl’s basketball will follow this new format.
One of the biggest changes that will either be loved by athletic directors and coaches or hated is the fact that teams will not be required to play regular season district games. This will allow teams to play a more competitive schedule and play in more tournaments and showcases throughout the season.
George Tomyn, FHSAA executive director, talks about the process and the final product after months of debate ends with the board of directors approving plan to revise classifications and playoffs for 7 sports. pic.twitter.com/pe3qLMaJ56
— Buddy Collings (@VarsityBuddy) October 29, 2018