289. "GHSA Reclassification: Past, Present, Future" with Curt Miller

Coach Parker and Curt Miller discuss reclassification that occurs every 2 years in the Georgia High School Association. Dr. Miller is the leader of the Reclassification committee. 

This episode covered several key topics related to Georgia high school sports reclassification:Main Discussion Areas:

• Reclassification Process Overview: How the GHSA Executive Committee works, with each region electing representatives who make rules (not the state office)
• Power Rankings Implementation: Extension of power rankings from A-3A to all classifications (A-7A), with 1-32 rankings across all classes
• Classification Changes: Renaming of divisions (bringing back 7A name while maintaining 7 total classifications)
• Current Cycle Specifics: 11 months of committee work, competitive balance considerations, multipliers, and out-of-district enrollment rules

Future Improvements Discussed:

• Pod System Proposal: Geographic grouping of schools across classifications to reduce travel and isolation issues
• Scheduling Flexibility: Allowing schools to schedule games across classification levels within pods
• Formula Refinement: Potential adoption of Maxwell power ranking formula over current PSR system

Process Details:

• Appeals process and regional balancing challenges
• Minimum 9-game requirement for power ranking eligibility
• Region champion safeguards (guaranteed top-16 placement)
• Geographic considerations vs. competitive balance

Challenges Addressed:

• Travel and isolation issues for rural schools
• Guaranteed game scheduling
• Executive committee representation
• Maintaining rivalries while improving equity

The discussion emphasized the complexity of balancing geographic, competitive, and logistical factors while serving student-athletes statewide.