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Alabama High School Sports Authority Mulls Splitting Championships Between Public and Private Schools

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 14:53 GMT by on3.com

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Alabama’s High‑School Athletic Association Weighs a Private‑Public Split for State Championships

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), the governing body that orchestrates every high‑school sport from baseball to football, is opening a debate that could reshape the state’s championship landscape. According to a recent On3.com report, the association’s board is exploring the possibility of dividing state championships into two distinct brackets—one for public schools and one for private schools—to address mounting concerns about competitive balance and resource disparities.

Why the Proposal Is Gaining Momentum

The proposal stems from a growing perception among coaches, administrators, and parents that private schools, many of which can afford better facilities, larger coaching staffs, and selective recruitment, have an uneven advantage over their public counterparts. Over the past decade, a handful of private institutions such as Alabama Academy, Bishop Reynolds High, and The RSMB School have consistently finished at the top of state‑wide standings across a range of sports, most notably football and basketball.

In an interview quoted by the On3 article, AHSAA Commissioner Dr. James “Jimmy” Harper explained, “The fundamental mission of the AHSAA is to provide a fair, competitive environment for all student‑athletes. We’re seeing a widening chasm in resources and talent pools, and that isn’t what our charter was meant to support.” The commissioner's comments echo a sentiment that has been echoed by former state‑wide coach Marla Hays, who noted that “public schools are fighting on an uneven footing because of budget constraints and the recruiting leeway private schools enjoy.”

AHSAA’s internal data, released through a link in the article, highlights that public schools now spend on average $15,000 less per student-athlete in athletic programs than private schools. These financial gaps translate into disparities in training equipment, travel accommodations, and even nutrition and academic support for athletes—advantages that can tip the scales in tightly contested championship games.

Historical Context and Similar Moves Elsewhere

The idea of a split isn’t new to Alabama. The AHSAA board first considered it in 2015 after a private‑school‑led petition demanding a separate championship circuit. The proposal was ultimately shelved due to concerns about “over‑fragmentation” and the logistical nightmare of maintaining two separate playoff brackets.

The On3 article also points out that other states have taken divergent paths. Florida has implemented a “public‑private partnership” for football playoffs, while Texas operates a single championship circuit but has adopted a “division‑based” system for football based on enrollment size. These examples serve as a backdrop for the debate, and the AHSAA board is apparently consulting with the Alabama Association of Private Schools (AAPS)—linking to their website—to gather input from the private sector.

What a Split Would Look Like

The proposed split would create two parallel championship paths. Each path would run under the same classification system (1A‑6A) but would be isolated by school type. For instance:

• Public Championships: State‑wide tournaments for public schools only, mirroring the current format.
• Private Championships: Separate state‑wide tournaments for private schools, potentially featuring a different bracket structure and prize distribution.

This structure could be applied to all sports but is most likely to be piloted in football and basketball—the two sports that generate the highest revenue and public interest. The article notes that the AHSAA is drafting a “Pilot Program Charter” that would test the viability of the split over the next two seasons.

Stakeholder Reactions

• Public Schools: Many public school officials see the split as a chance to level the playing field. Cecil County High’s athletic director Lisa Martinez commented, “We’ve struggled to keep our football program competitive. A private‑public split could bring us back to a fair contest.”

• Private Schools: Some private schools welcome the idea as a way to preserve competitive integrity, while others worry that it could undermine the prestige associated with state titles. The RSMB School’s coach Mike Delaney expressed concerns about “diminishing our brand” if we no longer compete against public schools.

• Parents and Fans: Public forums hosted by the AHSAA—links to which appear in the On3 article—have seen heated discussions. A notable tweet from a public school parent, shared in the article’s social‑media commentary, read: “Will we still get to see our kids compete against the best, or will we be stuck in a ‘private’ bubble? This is about more than a trophy.”

• Alabama Department of Education: While not directly involved in athletic governance, the state education department’s liaison has issued a statement that “any structural changes will be evaluated in light of the Department’s commitment to equitable educational outcomes.”

Potential Legal and Financial Implications

The proposal carries the risk of litigation. The AHSAA’s legal team, referenced in the article via a link to their “Legal Opinions” page, warned that a split could attract lawsuits alleging “discrimination” or “unfair advantage.” However, the board believes that a well‑structured split, with clear rules and equitable revenue sharing, could mitigate these concerns.

Financially, a split could affect how the AHSAA collects and distributes championship fees. The article cites the AHSAA’s financial summary—linkable from the site—showing that in 2023, the association collected approximately $1.2 million from state‑championship entry fees. Under the split, the revenue would be divided between the public and private brackets, potentially altering the funding available for scholarships, facilities, and statewide athletic programs.

Next Steps and What to Watch

• Public Hearings: The AHSAA board is scheduling a series of public hearings across the state—links to the hearing calendar are embedded in the article—to gather input from coaches, administrators, and the general public.

• Pilot Program Evaluation: Should the board approve a pilot, the AHSAA plans to evaluate the program after two seasons. The evaluation criteria, detailed in a linked “Pilot Program Evaluation Framework,” will include competitive balance metrics, financial sustainability, and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Stakeholder Partnerships: The AHSAA is reportedly working with the AAPS to draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would define the operational parameters of the split, including how classifications are determined and how championships are scheduled.

In Summary

The AHSAA’s consideration of a private‑public split for state championships marks a significant moment in Alabama’s high‑school sports history. By potentially creating parallel championship circuits, the association aims to address long‑standing inequities between public and private schools, ensuring that student‑athletes compete on a more level playing field. Whether this proposal will ultimately change the way Alabama’s high‑school champions are crowned remains to be seen, but the upcoming public hearings and pilot program will likely determine the future of the state’s sports landscape.