IHSA Proposal Expands Playoffs for 3A and 4A Schools

A new proposal from the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), backed by Roxana High School, aims to expand playoff opportunities for schools in the 3A and 4A classifications. The proposal includes a regional scheduling component, with recently released mock-up regions designed to illustrate how the changes would work in practice.

Previously, the IHSA unveiled plans for the 1A and 2A classifications, and now they have added details for the larger divisions. These mock-ups are intended to provide stakeholders with a clearer idea of potential playoff structures, although they are not yet official. If the proposal is ratified, a committee of stakeholders will oversee the implementation process.

In the proposed framework, regions typically consist of six teams. Each team would play five games within their region, while also scheduling non-regional games independently. In some instances, regions may expand to include seven teams, allowing for one non-regional crossover game. This approach ensures that no team has a bye week during the regional schedule, with non-regional games slated for the first two weeks as well as Week 9.

In cases where geographic challenges arise, certain regions may accommodate eight teams, playing non-regional games in Weeks 1 and 9. The proposal also introduces a flex band principle for region placement. Teams within the smallest 25 members of a classification could potentially be moved down into a smaller classification, while the largest 25 members could be elevated to a higher classification. Such adjustments would only be made when necessary to enhance geographic clarity and balance across classifications. Importantly, no team could be shifted by more than one classification group.

Mock-Up Regions for Class 3A and 4A

The proposed regions for Class 3A include:

– **Region 3-1**: Byron, Christ the King, Beardstown
– **Region 3-2**: Durand-Pecatonica, Genoa-Kingston, Clinton
– **Region 3-3**: Oregon, Hope Academy, New Berlin
– **Region 3-4**: Rockford Lutheran, Leo, Pleasant Plains
– **Region 3-5**: Stillman Valley, Marian Central Catholic, PORTA
– **Region 3-6**: Winnebago, Poplar Grove N. Boone, Riverton
– **Region 3-7**: Stanford Olympia, Williamsville, Fairfield
– **Region 3-8**: Anna-Jonesboro, Greenville, Mt. Carmel
– **Region 3-9**: Benton, Hillsboro, Newton

For Class 4A, the proposed regions are as follows:

– **Region 4-1**: De La Salle, Dixon, Coal City
– **Region 4-2**: Elmwood Park, Harvard, Geneseo
– **Region 4-3**: Hillcrest, Johnsburg, Kewanee
– **Region 4-4**: IC Catholic, Marengo, Pontiac
– **Region 4-5**: Ridgewood, Plano, Spring Valley Hall
– **Region 4-6**: Thornridge, Richmond-Burton, Streator
– **Region 4-7**: Rochelle, Sandwich, Bloomington
– **Region 4-8**: CCBartonville, Limestone, Charleston

Adjustments have also been made to the 1A and 2A classifications, which reflect the evolving needs of the schools involved. The detailed regions for these classifications will be made available as the proposal progresses.

The proposed changes signify a significant shift in how high school sports are organized in Illinois, offering a more structured approach to playoffs for schools across varying classifications. Stakeholders eagerly await the committee’s decision, which has the potential to reshape the competitive landscape for many teams starting in 2024.