The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has wrapped up its yearly elections, choosing to pass seven of eight amendments that will affect high school sports in the state.
The amendment that will undoubtedly receive the most focus involves classifications of football programs, via individual school’s enrollment numbers. In the past, classifications have been done every two years, placing teams in both classes and districts for a two-year window. Under the new rules, starting in 2018, districts and classifications will be redrawn EVERY year.
The new set-up will also have an affect on schools like Princeton, that run a football cooperative agreement with neighboring Mercer. Those agreements will also need to be renewed on an annual basis.
In other action taken by MSHSAA, student-athletes will now need to decide on playing high school or club activities PRIOR to their season. They will not be allowed to play both levels in the same season.
The only initiative failing to pass was an amendment that would have required schools to purchase additional concussion insurance. The vote needed a two-thirds majority to pass, but failed as 265 voted for, and 228 against, the measure.
