Attention, Kansas high school administrators and athletic directors! The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has released its classifications for the 2024-2025 school year, and there are some significant changes in store. Several schools have shifted classifications, and new schools have been added to the mix. These changes will undoubtedly impact the competitive landscape of Kansas high school sports, so it’s essential to be aware of them.
One of the most notable changes is the addition of a sixth classification for football. The new 6A classification will include the largest schools in the state, with an enrollment of over 1,500 students. This change will create a more level playing field for the largest schools, which have often dominated the smaller schools in the past. Additionally, the 5A classification has been split into two divisions, with the top 16 schools in the state competing in Division I and the remaining schools competing in Division II.
The KSHSAA has also made changes to the classifications for other sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball. In basketball, the 6A classification has been expanded to include 32 teams, and the 5A classification has been split into two divisions. In baseball and softball, the 6A classification has been expanded to include 24 teams, and the 5A classification has been split into two divisions. In volleyball, the 6A classification has been expanded to include 32 teams, and the 5A classification has been split into two divisions. These changes will provide more opportunities for schools to compete at a higher level and will help to create more competitive tournaments.
Impact on League Structures
The new classifications will result in significant changes to league structures in Kansas. Some leagues will be dissolved, while others will be created. The KSHSAA has released a tentative list of the new league alignments, which can be found on their website. The changes are designed to create more competitive leagues and to reduce travel for teams.
Playoff Qualifications
The new classifications will also impact playoff qualifications. The number of teams that qualify for the playoffs will change, and the criteria for qualification will be different. The KSHSAA has not yet released the new playoff formats, but they are expected to be announced in the spring.
Additional Details on League Structures
The following table provides additional details on the changes to league structures:
| Class | Number of Leagues | Number of Teams per League |
|---|---|---|
| 6A | 4 | 10-12 |
| 5A | 6 | 8-10 |
| 4A | 8 | 8-10 |
| 3A | 10 | 8 |
| 2A | 12 | 8 |
| 1A | 14 | 8 |
Athletic Success and Classification Movement
The KSHSAA uses a formula to calculate a school’s athletic success, which is then used to determine the school’s classification for the following two-year cycle. The formula takes into account the school’s performance in all sports over the previous four years, with more weight given to recent results. Schools that are more successful in athletics will be placed in higher classifications, while schools that are less successful will be placed in lower classifications.
The formula used to calculate athletic success is complex and takes into account a number of factors, including the following:
Impact of Athletic Success on Classification Placement
The athletic success of a school can have a significant impact on its classification placement. Schools that are more successful in athletics will be placed in higher classifications, while schools that are less successful will be placed in lower classifications. This can have a number of implications for schools, including:
Schools Moving Up in Classification
Schools that are moving up in classification will face a number of challenges, including:
Schools Moving Down in Classification
Schools that are moving down in classification will face a number of challenges, including:
Overall
The athletic success of a school can have a significant impact on its classification placement. Schools that are more successful in athletics will be placed in higher classifications, while schools that are less successful will be placed in lower classifications. This can have a number of implications for schools, including the level of competition that the school will face, the size of the schools that the school will compete against, the amount of travel that the school will need to do for games, and the amount of funding that the school will need to raise for athletics.
| Classification | Number of Schools |
|---|---|
| 6A | 32 |
| 5A | 48 |
| 4A | 64 |
| 3A | 80 |
| 2A | 96 |
| 1A | 112 |
Addressing Parity and Competitiveness within Classifications
Determining School Enrollment
Enrollment is the primary factor in determining school classification. KSHSAA uses a three-year rolling average of enrollment to ensure stability and prevent sudden shifts based on year-to-year fluctuations.
Class Size Ranges
Schools are classified into six classes based on their enrollment ranges. These ranges are adjusted periodically to maintain parity and competitiveness.
| Class | Enrollment Range |
|---|---|
| 6A | 1,500+ |
| 5A | 1,000-1,499 |
| 4A | 600-999 |
| 3A | 300-599 |
| 2A | 175-299 |
| 1A | 1-174 |
Competitive Equity
KSHSAA aims to create competitive equity within each classification by considering factors beyond enrollment. These factors include historical performance, geographical location, and league affiliation.
Regular Reviews
The classification system is regularly reviewed and adjusted to address changes in school demographics and competitiveness. The KSHSAA Classification Committee meets annually to make recommendations for classification adjustments.
Stakeholder Input
KSHSAA values stakeholder input in the classification process. Schools and leagues are encouraged to provide feedback and recommendations to ensure that the system remains fair and competitive.
Ensuring Fairness and Equitable Opportunities for All Athletes
Balancing Competitive Levels
The KSHSAA classification process aims to create a level playing field for all athletes, regardless of their school’s size or enrollment. By grouping schools into different classes based on factors such as enrollment and enrollment trends, the KSHSAA ensures that teams within each class compete against opponents of similar size and ability, creating fairer competitions.
Protecting Student-Athlete Health and Safety
The classification system also plays a role in protecting student-athletes’ health and safety. By ensuring that teams compete against schools of similar size and strength, the KSHSAA minimizes the risk of mismatches that could lead to injuries.
Preserving School Identity and Rivalries
The classification system helps preserve school identity and local rivalries by keeping schools in similar geographic areas within the same class.
Providing Equitable Opportunities for Success
The KSHSAA classification process provides equitable opportunities for all athletes to achieve success in their sports. By placing schools in classes that align with their size and ability, the system ensures that teams have a fair chance to compete for championships and recognition.
Ensuring Multiple Opportunities for Athletes
The classification system allows athletes to participate in multiple sports without facing undue competitive disadvantages. By grouping schools into different classes, the system creates a more balanced playing field for athletes who want to excel in more than one sport.
7. Empowering Local Schools and Communities
The KSHSAA classification system empowers local schools and communities to have a voice in the process. By involving school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, and community members in the classification process, the KSHSAA ensures that the needs of all stakeholders are considered and that the classification system reflects the values and priorities of the communities it serves.
| Class | Enrollment Range | Number of Schools |
|---|---|---|
| 6A | 1,200+ | 24 |
| 5A | 900-1,199 | 26 |
| 4A | 700-899 | 27 |
| 3A | 500-699 | 28 |
| 2A | 350-499 | 29 |
| 1A | 1-349 | 30 |
Facilitating Academic and Athletic Balance for Student-Athletes
Class Size and School Size
The new classification system will consider school size and class size to ensure that schools with similar academic and athletic profiles are placed in the same classification. This will help to level the playing field and reduce the likelihood of smaller schools being consistently overmatched by larger schools.
Competitive Equity
The KSHSAA will use a data-driven approach to determine competitive equity. This will involve analyzing historical athletic performance, academic achievement, and other factors to create a more balanced and competitive classification system.
Geographical Considerations
The KSHSAA will also consider geographical factors when classifying schools. This will help to reduce travel time for student-athletes and minimize the impact of travel on academic schedules.
Multi-Class System
The new classification system will be a multi-class system, with schools being placed into one of six classes based on their enrollment and athletic performance. This will provide more opportunities for schools of all sizes to compete for state championships.
Success Factor
The KSHSAA will use a success factor to determine a school’s competitive equity. This factor will take into account the school’s historical performance in a particular sport, as well as the performance of other schools in the same classification.
Student-Athlete Welfare
The KSHSAA is committed to the well-being of student-athletes. The new classification system will help to ensure that student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in athletics in a safe and healthy environment.
Academic Standards
The KSHSAA requires all student-athletes to maintain certain academic standards. The new classification system will help to ensure that student-athletes are able to meet these standards while also participating in athletics.
8. Travel Considerations
The KSHSAA will be working to minimize travel time for student-athletes by grouping schools into regions. This will help to reduce the impact of travel on academic schedules and allow student-athletes to spend more time focusing on their studies.
| Class | Enrollment |
|---|---|
| 6A | 1,650 or more |
| 5A | 1,050-1,649 |
| 4A | 700-1,049 |
| 3A | 450-699 |
| 2A | 250-449 |
| 1A | 249 or less |
KSHSAA’s Commitment to Student Success and Athletic Excellence
1. **Mission Statement**: The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) is dedicated to providing opportunities for students to participate in interscholastic athletics and activities that promote personal growth, academic achievement, and lifelong success.
2. **Core Values**: KSHSAA is committed to the core values of sportsmanship, fair play, integrity, teamwork, and academic excellence.
3. **Student-Athlete Success**: KSHSAA believes that student-athletes are the heart of the organization and continually strives to provide them with the best possible experience.
4. **Academic Integrity**: KSHSAA emphasizes the importance of academic achievement and has strict eligibility requirements for student-athletes.
5. **Character Development**: Athletics is seen as a valuable tool for developing character, leadership, and responsibility in student-athletes.
6. **Safe and Fair Competition**: KSHSAA is committed to providing a safe and fair environment for all student-athletes and teams.
7. **Collaboration with Schools**: KSHSAA works closely with schools to ensure that athletic programs align with educational goals and support student-athletes.
8. **Community Involvement**: KSHSAA values the role of athletics in bringing communities together and believes that athletic events are opportunities to celebrate school spirit and pride.
9. **Athletic Training and Safety**: KSHSAA prioritizes athletic training and safety by providing resources and guidance to schools and coaches.
10. **Classification System**: KSHSAA classifies schools based on enrollment size to ensure fair and competitive athletic competition. Below is a table outlining the current classification system.
| Class | Enrollment Range |
|---|---|
| 6A | 1,828 or more |
| 5A | 1,141 – 1,827 |
| 4A | 790 – 1,140 |
| 3A | 412 – 789 |
| 2A | 199 – 411 |
| 1A | 0 – 198 |
KSHSAA Classifications 2024-2025
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has released its classifications for the 2024-2025 school year. The classifications are based on school enrollment and are used to determine which schools will compete against each other in various sports and activities.
The classifications for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
- Class 6A: Schools with an enrollment of 1,200 or more
- Class 5A: Schools with an enrollment of 800 to 1,199
- Class 4A: Schools with an enrollment of 500 to 799
- Class 3A: Schools with an enrollment of 250 to 499
- Class 2A: Schools with an enrollment of 100 to 249
- Class 1A: Schools with an enrollment of 99 or fewer
The classifications for the 2024-2025 school year are the same as the classifications for the 2023-2024 school year. The KSHSAA reviews the classifications every two years and makes adjustments as necessary.
People Also Ask About KSHSAA Classifications 2024-2025
What are the KSHSAA classifications for the 2024-2025 school year?
The KSHSAA classifications for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
- Class 6A: Schools with an enrollment of 1,200 or more
- Class 5A: Schools with an enrollment of 800 to 1,199
- Class 4A: Schools with an enrollment of 500 to 799
- Class 3A: Schools with an enrollment of 250 to 499
- Class 2A: Schools with an enrollment of 100 to 249
- Class 1A: Schools with an enrollment of 99 or fewer
When were the KSHSAA classifications for the 2024-2025 school year released?
The KSHSAA classifications for the 2024-2025 school year were released in February 2023.
How often does the KSHSAA review its classifications?
The KSHSAA reviews its classifications every two years and makes adjustments as necessary.
