Would you support a return to 5 classes

[Indian]

It seems the TSSAA will at least discuss a move back to 5 classes in football, a change from the current 3 class/6 playoff class alignment that has caused a lot of confusion since it was put into place. Advantages would be having a good idea of who the playoff opponent would be, up to several weeks in advance; and having a simplified playoff format-top 4 teams play the top 4 from the next region over. Disadvantages would be more travel in region games for many teams-a reason why the change was made in the first place, possibly having fewer games with old rivals as some regions might have 8 or 9 teams due to going from 16 districts to 8 regions per class, and not having the same region/district opponents as in other sports which lessens rivalries.

 

An article I read mentioned they did not get a lot of response to a survey sent out on the topic, and the ones returned were about 50-50 on the idea of a move back. That surprises me after all the troubles with the playoff system. Maybe the likely travel increases were considered more important.

[rlh]

There were still some teams that had to travel a lot in this current Voodoo setup.

[Indian]

District and region travel was overall much better. Grundy County used to play Sequoyah and McMinn Central, for an example around here.

 

Another advantage on going back to 5 classes, with 4 teams making the playoffs regardless of overall record, teams wouldn't be so concerned about playing tough opponents out of region-right now it affects making the playoffs or not, or at least can move you up or down the bracket.

[Butchie]

Well Gas Is Up Past $4 Bucks A Gallon, Why Not?

[rlh]

District and region travel was overall much better. Grundy County used to play Sequoyah and McMinn Central, for an example around here.

 

Another advantage on going back to 5 classes, with 4 teams making the playoffs regardless of overall record, teams wouldn't be so concerned about playing tough opponents out of region-right now it affects making the playoffs or not, or at least can move you up or down the bracket.

 

You haven't factored in the non-distirct games in the regular season nor the playoff games from the 2nd round on for several of the teams. Grundy was always the odd man out ever since they moved up to AA in the old system in the late 70s.

 

Example: South Pittsburgs road games

 

Grace Christian- knoxville

 

Playoffs

 

Greenback

Coalfield

Gordonsville

1a title at Cookeville

[rlh]

I think to minimize traveling, a return to a A, AA, AAA system with the privates moved out is the only way to minimize it. However, in the playoffs, somebody is going to have to travel.

[Coach]

There is going to be problems with anything they try to do. I personally liked five classes. The main reason a change took place was travel. I have thought about this over the past few years and realize schools only travel five times a year in football. Basketball, baseball, softball, and other sports travel 3 times as much and there is no change in their classes or schedule. Football is also different in that it is the only sport that all the teams are not involved in post season play. Whatever is done every team should have a fair chance at competeing for a playoff spot.

[pujo]

5 classes would be just fine,but they need to have a complete split of public and private schools come playoff time.

[Jbalumni81]

5 classes would be just fine,but they need to have a complete split of public and private schools come playoff time.

AMEN !!!!!!!!

[coachfoozeball]

YES, Go back to 5 and playoffs the way they used to be. Do not give me this travel excuse. Let's see most football teams play 5 home games and 5 away. Basketball is allowed 12-15 away games and most of them travel to who knows where for Thanksgiving and Christmas Tournaments. Baseball/Softball same thing double the amount of away games and many of them are now traveling to tournaments. This is all for the T$$AA to make more money off of the football playoffs and one more class means more $$$$$$ for the greedy T$$AA. Scheduling is now a nightmare for 6A teams in small districts. Oh and in most other sports ALL teams make playoffs so there is more travel for the teams that were at bottom of district. It is not about Travel it is about the T$$AA. The other sports will actually put more miles on a bus during season, they just might not do it for one game. (would be very interesting to see though)

[wildcatpride70]

They won't change it back. They've made too much money the past few years after the switch with the extra games.

[QBClubPrez]

YES, Go back to 5 and playoffs the way they used to be. Do not give me this travel excuse. Let's see most football teams play 5 home games and 5 away. Basketball is allowed 12-15 away games and most of them travel to who knows where for Thanksgiving and Christmas Tournaments. Baseball/Softball same thing double the amount of away games and many of them are now traveling to tournaments. This is all for the T$$AA to make more money off of the football playoffs and one more class means more $$$$$$ for the greedy T$$AA. Scheduling is now a nightmare for 6A teams in small districts. Oh and in most other sports ALL teams make playoffs so there is more travel for the teams that were at bottom of district. It is not about Travel it is about the T$$AA. The other sports will actually put more miles on a bus during season, they just might not do it for one game. (would be very interesting to see though)

 

Coachfoozeball...agree again on this thread..just like the other 2! Plain and simple..either your team/community CAN/WILL travel...or they CAN'T/WON'T! Meaning...the communities and programs that are successful will travel no matter the opponent or venue...and those that struggle will not. Distance is NOT a factor...Never has been...nor will it ever be! It's a Friday Night tradition all across the South...you go to wherever your team goes! You support your school on the road..as well as at home! Most every team gets 5 home games..in exchange for 5 road games...with only a few exceptions. It's just as "fair" to every team as it is another.