Dsc03947 2 Scaled E1740878874899 — Paul Bryant celebrates its 6A title in 2024. (Caleb Turrentine / The Bama Buzz)

A long-rumored split between public and private school athletics is now official.

The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) announced the new format at its Central Board meeting Friday, Jan. 23.

There will now be separate playoffs and championships for public and private schools.

“The landscape of education-based athletics of Alabama is changing and the AHSAA must continue to adapt. After careful review and after listening to our public and private school members, the Central Board determined that now is the appropriate time to restructure championship play… It’s purpose is to expand opportunity and strengthen the overall championship experience for student-athletes across Alabama.”
Heath Harmon, AHSAA Executive Director

Harmon said the decision focuses on competitive balance between public and private schools. And for private schools, it will remove financial barriers and the competitive balance adjustments.

This will be the first time the AHSAA has had separate championships for its member schools. Reclassification occurs every two years and Harmon made a point to say this might not be a permanent move by the association.

Here are some of the key points:

6 public school classifications (1A-6A)
2 private school classifications (Single A and Double A)
- Classified based solely off enrollment now
Crossover play in regular season is still allowed
All championships will still be played together at one venue

Further details on postseason format for each sport are expected to be announced at a later time.

“I know that this was tough on (the Central Board) but I do know that they voted and researched and did what was right for kids. And as long as they’re doing what’s right for kids, you can’t complain about it… Sometimes change is good, sometimes change is not so good. Only time will tell.”
Terry Curtis, AHSAA Central Board President

Keep reading to see the complete reclassification including the new regions for football season.

AHSAA reclassification

4H4A3871 Scaled E1733508628469 — Mars Hill coach Darrell Higgins hoists the blue map for his team. (Caleb Turrentine / The Bama Buzz)

Class 7A is officially gone as the top 32 public schools now move to Class 6A. The remaining public schools are evenly split between classes 1A-5A based on enrollment.

Here is the breakdown of all eight classifications from the AHSAA. Football regions are split by bold text.