Classes 2A & 3A Adjusted In 2014-16 Re-Classification
Central Board Upholds Appeal By Houston Academy
Adjusted Alignments
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control upheld an appeal by Houston Academy in a specially called meeting Friday and moved the school to Class 2A in the new re-classification system.
The Board overturned a ruling by AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese. Houston Academy had been placed in Class 3A when the original re-classification system for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years was approved Wednesday by the Board, which adopted a new seven-class system.
However, it was determined that the school had reported incorrect enrollment numbers to the AHSAA by counting grades 9-12 instead of grades 10-12 as AHSAA rules require. The school requested that the AHSAA make an adjustment, but the request was denied according to the AHSAA Constitution which allows only the Central Board to make classification changes.
Savarese said he fully supports the Central Board decision.
“They were faced with a difficult task and I want to thank the Central Board for its commitment to our member schools”
Houston Academy was assessed a $500 fine for failing to comply with AHSAA rules and also required to pay the expenses of the specially-called Central Board meeting.
“The Central Board heard the appeal from representatives of Houston Academy,” Board president Lamar Brooks said. “After a lengthy discussion, the Board voted to move the school to the classification that their numbers justified.”
Brooks said he wanted to thank the Central Board and the AHSAA staff for their professional approach in this matter.
“We are very excited about the opportunities the new seven-classification system provides for our member schools,” he said. “We are now ready to move forward.”
The revised re-classification moves Houston Academy from Class 3A, Region 2 to Class 2A, Region 2 in football. New Brockton shifts from Region 2 to Region 3 in Class 2A.