Iowa member schools overwhelmingly pass football classification measure based on free and reduced lunch

Member schools voted overwhelmingly in favor on an amendment to the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s articles of incorporation regarding football classification.

In order to pass, 50 percent of the total membership (365 schools) or 60 percent of those voting was required. The measure passed in both regards.

Seventy-two percent of membership (263 schools) voted, with the vote being 211-52 in favor.

Earlier this month, the IHSAA board of control approved a recommendation from the IHSAA classification committee to adopt a model -- based on socioeconomics -- similar to one currently used by the Minnesota State High School League.

The Minnesota system calls for the 40-percent reduction of a school’s free and reduced lunch count from the annual enrollment to determine a final classification model.

| How 2021 and 2022 football enrollment and classification would have looked with the free and reduced factor |

According to IHSAA executive director Tom Keating, IHSAA legal counsel Brian Humke will develop an updated version of the IHSAA articles of incorporation that will be submitted to the Iowa Board of Education for consideration.

“I am preparing a summary of the process used to get us to where we currently are,” Keating said. “This is due by Dec. 27 in order to be placed on the Jan. 12 Board of Education agenda.”

Should the Iowa State Board of Education approve the amendment, the new model for classification in football will be implemented for the 2023 and 2024 football scheduling cycle.

Pending that approval, the IHSAA board of control will review, discuss, and consider IHSAA administrative staff recommendations concerning the 8-Player enrollment cap, currently at 120 or permitted by exception.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com