On Tuesday, the IHSA announced significant changes following their latest Board of Directors meeting, impacting both small and large schools across Southern Illinois.
The IHSA has revised the classification ranges for all sports, particularly in 4-Class sports like Boys & Girls Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, and Softball. The new classifications are as follows:
1A: 1-300 enrollments
2A: 301-700 enrollments
3A: 701-1600 enrollments
4A: 1601 and up
Previously, the classifications were:
1A: up to 286
2A: 287-656
3A: 657-1519
4A: 1520 and up
While these changes may seem minor, they have resulted in several local schools shifting to new classifications. Notably:
Eldorado, Lawrenceville, and Carlyle have moved from Class 2A to Class 1A.
Herrin, Effingham, and Olney have transitioned from Class 3A to Class 2A.
Here are some enrollment figures for schools in the area:
1A –
Grayville: 86
NCOE: 195
Gallatin Co.: 200
Edwards Co.: 219
Lawrenceville: 291
Eldorado: 298
2A –
Hamilton Co.: 315
Flora: 351
Pinckneyville: 385
Carmi-White Co.: 417
Fairfield: 443
Mt. Carmel: 452
Harrisburg: 481
Benton: 604
Herrin: 639
Carterville: 668
Olney: 668
Effingham: 688
Some schools will benefit from these changes, moving from the smallest in one class to the largest in another. In contrast, schools such as Hamilton County, Flora, Pinckneyville, and Carmi-White County find themselves at the lower end of 2A, not quite eligible to drop to 1A.
Another significant change affects non-boundary private schools. They will no longer receive an automatic waiver; instead, their enrollment will be multiplied by 1.65, placing them into one of the four classifications based on this adjusted figure. Non-boundary schools can apply for an annual waiver to compete at their actual enrollment, but this application will be reviewed and voted on by the IHSA board.
However, a new “success factor” will limit waiver eligibility for non-boundary schools that have achieved certain milestones over the past three years, such as:
Winning a Sectional Semifinal in Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball, or Softball
Securing a Regional Championship in Wrestling or Scholastic Bowl
Finishing in the Top 10 at State Finals in Track & Field, Tennis, Competitive Cheer, or Competitive Dance
Qualifying for State Finals in Cross Country or Golf
Winning at least one IHSA playoff game in Football
For instance, Belleville Althoff, which recently won a State Championship in 1A Football and placed 2nd in 2A Basketball, will not be eligible for a waiver and will be subjected to the 1.65 multiplier, likely placing them in a higher class.
There has been ongoing debate among public school communities in Southern Illinois regarding the need for private schools to compete in their own leagues or at the highest classification. While such changes are unlikely, these multipliers and success factors aim to create a more level playing field between public and private institutions.
All of these changes will take effect in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
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