Why TSSAA classification timeline could mean big changes for DII football
TSSAA executive director Mark Reeves laid out a tentative timeline Thursday to its Board of Control for the next reclassification of schools, which would be in place for the 2025-26 school year.
The TSSAA is in the first of a twoyear classification cycle, which would end with the 2024-25 school year. Reeves said the Board of Control must first determine if TSSAA classification remains set for two-year cycles or go back to a four-year cycle. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the TSSAA used four-year classification plans.
Here are some of the highlights of what the buildup to reclassification will look like:
What might Division II classification look like
A Division II football classification committee has met regarding what that divisions may look like. Reeves said he’s asked for a recommendation for its Jan. 11 meeting. Reeves said the committee has looked at multiple options. That includes a success factor combined with enrollment to determine classification. It has discussed dividing the DII schools evenly in three classes. It also has looked at the minimum number for Division II-AAA football to perhaps add more schools. Reeves said most recently they’ve been looking at male enrollments to help set classification for football-playing schools.
Time to talk lacrosse
Lacrosse classification will be discussed as the sport has been added for the 2025-26 school year. That classification structure discussion would come in the January meeting. That includes how many classes for both Division I and II.
How long should classification cycle be
TSSAA went to a two-year cycle during the COVID-19 pandemic due to school enrollments being difficult to predict because of virtual learning. Prior to that TSSAA had been in four-year classification cycles. The TSSAA office has asked if it’s time to discuss going back to four years, or remain at two years. Reeves has asked that decision be made by the Board of Control meeting on Feb. 28.
Classification structure set at June 2024 meeting
Reeves has asked that the Board of Control determine a classification plan by its June 4-6 meetings. That fits typical calendar schedules, but there have been times it’s been pushed to the August meeting. The TSSAA would then use August and September to compile and release enrollments from the Tennessee Board of Education along with collecting Division II enrollments. Schools could then ask to move up in classification in September or October.