The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors has approved three major changes to its classification policy during a recent meeting.

These changes aim to enhance competitive equity and simplify the postseason classification process for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

Key Changes

1. Return to Fixed Classification Cutoffs: The IHSA will revert to using predetermined enrollment classification cutoffs for sports with multiple classes. This system was previously used from 1971 to 2007. The cutoffs are based on averages from the past four years, rounded to the nearest 50th or 100th, with adjustments made according to recent participation trends. This shift away from a percentage-based formula is intended to provide greater consistency and address emerging competitive equity issues, particularly for schools with fewer than 600 students.
2. Multiplier Waiver Process Overhaul: The automatic waiver process for non-boundaried schools (those not limited by traditional boundary restrictions) will be replaced by an annual application process. Schools will need to apply for waivers online, and eligibility will be determined by specific criteria related to past performance. For example, schools that have achieved significant success in certain sports over the past three years will not be eligible for waivers. This change aims to improve competitive equity by ensuring that waivers are granted more judiciously.
3. Success Adjustment Policy Update: The Success Adjustment Policy, which moves successful non-boundaried schools up in classification, will now consider a rolling three-year period of state final success. Schools winning two state final trophies in the past three years will be subject to this adjustment, moving up one class in that sport. This change is designed to better reflect a program’s current competitive standing.

These changes follow an ongoing review of the classification process initiated by the IHSA Board in December 2024, which also included shifting from a two-year to an annual classification cycle. The IHSA conducted a questionnaire among member schools in January to gather feedback on these and other issues. The organization plans to release classifications for fall and winter sports by May 1, 2025.

“Competitive equity and classifications are a topical issue here in Illinois and for state associations around the country,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “No state has a perfect system, so it is important that we remain fluid as a Board and staff to be able to review and adapt our policies as new trends emerge and issues evolve.”