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Alabama AHSAA Creates Separate Flag Football Class for Private Schools

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ate-flag-football-class-for-private-schools.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 23rd 2026 at 13:19 GMT by al.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Montgomery, AL - January 23rd, 2026 - The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has officially announced a significant shift in the landscape of high school flag football, confirming the creation of a dedicated Class 5A private school classification, effective beginning the 2026 season. This landmark decision, announced earlier today, addresses growing concerns over competitive balance and acknowledges the impressive surge in the sport's popularity within the state.

Flag football has witnessed remarkable growth in Alabama over the past few years, rapidly evolving from a niche activity to a prominent and increasingly competitive sport within the high school athletic scene. This expansion has brought considerable benefits, including increased participation rates among female student-athletes and a new avenue for showcasing athletic talent. However, alongside this growth, a noticeable imbalance in team strength within the current Class 5A - which combines both public and private schools - has become increasingly apparent.

The core issue revolves around the inherent differences in resources and overall program support available to private schools compared to their public counterparts. Private schools, often benefiting from larger alumni networks and more robust fundraising capabilities, have, in many cases, been able to build significantly larger and more experienced flag football programs. This has resulted in a widening gap in competitive power, making it challenging for public schools to consistently compete at the highest level.

"We've been hearing from coaches and administrators for quite some time now about the growing disparity in the 5A classification," explained an AHSAA spokesperson. "The commitment to ensuring equitable competition and providing a rewarding experience for all student-athletes led to this decision. This realignment is designed to foster a more level playing field and allow for more meaningful competition at all levels."

The new Class 5A private school classification will essentially carve out a separate competitive arena for private schools currently participating in the 5A bracket. These schools will compete amongst themselves, allowing public schools to continue competing within their existing classification structure. This segregation aims to create more balanced contests and provide public schools with a greater opportunity to advance in the playoffs and vie for state championships.

While the announcement provides the framework for this change, significant details remain to be finalized. The AHSAA will release a comprehensive realignment process over the coming months, outlining the specific criteria used to determine which private schools will be placed in the new 5A classification. Factors considered will likely include school enrollment, program size, and overall athletic participation numbers. Schools will have an opportunity to review the proposed realignment and provide feedback before the final decisions are made.

This isn't the first instance of the AHSAA adapting classifications based on growth and demographic shifts. However, the creation of a dedicated private school classification for flag football demonstrates the association's responsiveness to the unique challenges presented by the sport's rapid rise. It's a signal that the AHSAA is dedicated to providing a sustainable and equitable future for flag football in Alabama high schools.

The impact of this change is anticipated to be felt across the state's flag football community. Coaches are optimistic that it will lead to more competitive games and increased opportunities for public schools. Players and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the 2026 season to witness the new dynamics and rivalries that will undoubtedly emerge within the newly formed Class 5A private school classification. The decision highlights not just the growth of flag football, but also the AHSAA's commitment to creating a fair and thriving athletic environment for all student-athletes in Alabama.