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February 2025
Items of Interest - Vol. 43 No. 6
Words from GHSA Executive Director, Dr. Tim Scott
GHSA Competitive Balance
Reclassification of Schools Using the GHSA Point System
The Competitive Balance Model utilizes a point system based on postseason performance to determine school classification adjustments. Points are assigned based on how teams finish in postseason play, with the accumulated total reflecting the overall success of a school’s athletic department.
Point Allocation System
- Bracketed Sports: Points are awarded based on how far a team progresses in the playoffs.
- Non-Bracket Sports: Points are allocated based on final standings at the State Championship meet.
At the conclusion of the designated evaluation period, as determined by the reclassification committee, each school’s total GHSA points from all sports and activities are calculated.
Classification Adjustment Process
- The total points earned by a school are divided by the number of sports in which they participate to determine a "Next Gen Number" for each school.
- Schools within each classification with the highest Next Gen Numbers may be considered for upward reclassification.
- Schools with the lowest Next Gen Numbers may be considered for downward reclassification.
Participation Percentage Model
The Participation Percentage Model accounts for the percentage of schools participating in each sport or activity to ensure a balanced evaluation.
Calculation Methodology
- Each sport’s points are multiplied by the percentage of GHSA schools that participate in that sport.
- Example 1: A Boys’ Basketball State Champion earns 100 points. Since 94.945% of schools participate in Boys’ Basketball, the school receives:
- 100 × 0.94945 = 94.945 points
- Example 2: A Boys’ Basketball team that reaches the second round earns 53 points. With 94.945% participation, the school receives:
- 53 × 0.94945 = 50.321 points
Next Gen Number Calculation
The Next Gen Number represents a school’s total performance relative to the number of sports in which they participate.
Formula:
Next Gen Number = Total Points Earned / Number of Sports Participated In
Example Calculation:
A school earns 768 points across all sports and participates in 26 sports:
Next Gen Number = 768 / 26 = 29.54
This Next Gen Number is then used for classification considerations, with schools at the top and bottom of their classification range potentially moving up or down in the next reclassification cycle.
By implementing this structured system, GHSA ensures a fair and competitive balance across school classifications, accounting for both postseason success and participation rates.
Key Considerations for the Competitive Balance Model
As we refine the Competitive Balance Model, several important questions must be addressed by the reclassification committee and voted on by the executive committee:
- Should any schools be moved up or down in the first reclassification cycle, or should data be collected before implementing changes?
- If schools are moved, how many should be reclassified?
- What aspects of the reclassification process should be subject to appeal by schools?
- What role should the reclassification committee play in monitoring data throughout the reclassification cycle?
- Should we use a four-year or two-year reclassification cycle?
- What sports and activities should be included in the points system?
Contact Information
If you would like more information or have any questions concerning the Competitive Balance Model, please contact the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) office for further details.
Please know that no decisions have been made at this time as it relates to the Competitive Balance Model. Any recommendations or proposals must go before the Executive Committee.
Staff & Responsibilities
151 S. Bethel St., Thomaston, GA 30286 Phone: 706-647-7473 Fax: 706-647-2638 Web: www.ghsa.net Office Hours: 8am to 4 pm Monday - Friday
TIM SCOTT - Executive Director - (extension 41) Administration, Interpretation of GHSA Rules, Hardship Applications, Appeals, Coaches Education Program tim.scott@ghsa.net
JAY RUSSELL - Assistant Executive Director - (ext. 23) Football, Golf, Hardship Eligibility jayrussell@ghsa.net
ROBIN HINES - GHSA Legislative Liaison/Consultant. By-law Interpretations, Eligibility, Hardship Rulings, Swimming, Bass Fishing
ERNIE YARBROUGH - Liaison/Consultant - (ext. 27) Championship Logistics, Flag Football, Lacrosse ery@ghsa.net
TANYA ANDERSON - Associate Director - (ext. 29) Literary, One Act Play, Esports, Cross Country, Track & Field, and Event Sanctioning tanyaanderson@ghsa.net
DON CORR - Associate Director - (ext. 34) Softball, Wrestling, Baseball, Sports Medicine, Post Season Ranking don.corr@ghsa.net
DARRELL LANE - Associate Director - (ext. 42) Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Officiating Department darrell@ghsa.net
PENNY PITTS MITCHELL - Associate Director - (ext. 22) Cheerleading, Game Day Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Dance, Student Leadership, Title IX penny@ghsa.net
CARROR WRIGHT - Associate Director - (ext. 39) Coach’s Liaison, Compliance & Transfer Eligibility, Sportsmanship cwright@ghsa.net
MARVIN JAMES - Media Director - (ext. 26) Press Releases, Media Coordination of State Events, Newsletter, Constitution & Calendar, Tennis marvin.james@ghsa.net
ROBIN BULLINGTON - Office Manager - (ext. 33) Budgeting and Finances, Playoff & Championship Finances, Staff Procedures robin@ghsa.net
JULIE JONES - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 24) Community Coach Program, Entry Notification, Dues, Paraprofessional Head Coach Program juliejones@ghsa.net
STACEY JONES - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 32) Riflery Liaison, School Contacts & School Passes, Directory, Coaches’ Clinics, Trophies & Medals stacey@ghsa.net
SHERI EUBANKS - Receptionist - (ext. 0) Lifetime Passes, School System Passes, Ejection Reports, Publication Orders, Rules Violation and Ejection Fines, Wrestling Weight Management Coordinator, NFHS Annual Participation Survey sherieubanks@ghsa.net
PAM THOMPSON - Officials' Registrar - (ext. 30) Officials' Clinic Attendance, Officials' Registrations, Test Scoring & Records, Waivers, Officials and Evaluator Passes, GHSA Recruiting Grant, Publications and eBooks, Awards, Service Plaques pamthompson@ghsa.net
LINDA CROWDER - Administrative Assistant - (ext. 21) Organizing Championship Medals, Assist with Cheerleading, Student Leadership, Literary, School System Passes, Finance Reports linda@ghsa.net
American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs’ Names Millward as Director
After an extensive search, over six months time and more than 250 candidates, the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs Co-Founder and Executive Director Tommie Storms and Board of Directors are proud to announce the next Executive Director of the organization, Dr. Jenny Millward.
Dr. Millward, a former teacher, administrator, and Director of Student Services for Houston County Schools, was named the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs' (AAASP) Executive Director, succeeding Co-Founder, Tommie Storms. Dr. Millward was confirmed and unanimously approved at the December 18, 2024 AAASP Board of Director's meeting. Storms' upcoming retirement brings to close 29 years of service at AAASP. She will be only the organization's third Executive Director in 29 years -- behind the two Co-Founders Tommie Storms and Bev Vaughn.
Please see the attached - or visit the website:
An Opportunity to Save on Health Care
All employees covered by the State Health Benefits Plan who have Anthem Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare have access to free self-care benefits in the BeWell SHBP Program. BeWell provides health guidance, health challenges to earn award points that are redeemable for a Visa Card or use for co-pays. BeWell also offers coaching with trained staff and access to programs to reduce anxiety, lose weight, tobacco cessation, and diabetes management.
Log into https://bewellshbp.com/ and take control of your health.
Cheddar Up partners with the GHSA as your Official Payment Partner
Cheddar Up is proud to partner with the Georgia High School Association as your Official Payment Partner. As a GHSA member, you receive a FREE Cheddar Up Team Plan – designed to make managing team payments and collections a breeze.
Streamline Team Management with Cheddar Up
● Collect Payments in Minutes – Easily gather fees for uniforms, tournaments, and team dues online or in person.
● Simplify Registration – Create forms for team sign-ups, tryouts, and events that include built-in payment options.
● Stay Organized – Track payments, send reminders, and download reports – all in one place.
● Save Time for Parents – Provide an easy, mobile-friendly way for parents to pay and submit required forms.
● More Than Payments – Customize pages for merchandise sales, fundraising campaigns, waivers, volunteer sign ups, sponsorships, and so much more.
Take advantage of your free team plan and see how Cheddar Up can make your season more streamlined and stress-free.
Let Cheddar Up handle the logistics so you can focus on coaching. Your free plan is just a click away!
Student athlete Leadership Conference- March 19
Sharpen your leadership skills by signing up to attend the GHSA Student Athlete Leadership Conference that’s just a month away! It’s a great opportunity to fellowship and have your voice heard as a student athlete!
REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsN0YLItlUYTYWFq06drF9MBt1gBX3O1ws5UQtRTbso5VrZg/viewform
Important GHSA Reminders
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ITEMS: Anyone wishing to have an item included on the agenda for the Spring State Executive Committee meeting must submit the item to the GHSA office by March 14, 2025. The meeting will be held April 13-14, 2025 at the Macon Marriott City Center.
FOOTBALL SCHEDULES: Coaches and/or Athletic Directors are reminded that 2024 varsity Football Schedules are due in the GHSA office no later than March 1, 2025. If your school has hired a new coach for the 2025 season, please make sure he is made aware of this deadline.
INTENT TO PARTICIPATE DEADLINE: Member schools are reminded of the March 1, 2025 deadline to notify the GHSA of entry in All Sports and Activities for the school year 2025-2026.
SPRING CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS: Cheerleading practice/tryouts are limited to a maximum of 10 consecutive days per school between February 1 and the last day students are in school. Once tryouts are complete, no further practices may be held until school is out.
DEAD WEEKS: Reminder that there are again two (2) mandatory “Dead Weeks” this year - Monday, May 26, 2025 through Sunday, June 1, 2025 AND Monday, June 30, 2025 through Sunday, July 6, 2024.
GHSA Seeks Host Sites Each year, many schools contribute to the success of the GHSA programs by hosting a region/area or state event as a service to all member schools. The GHSA office soon will be determining sites for events for the 2025-26 year. Sites are needed for the following events: Region Cheerleading, Area Wrestling (Traditional and/or Team Duals), Sectional Wrestling (Traditional), Sectional Track, Sectional Golf and State Golf. If your school would like to host one of the above events, please notify the GHSA office.
Congratulations to the 2025 GHSA Swimming & Diving State Champions
The 2025 GHSA Swimming & Diving State Championships were held Feb. 4-8 at the Georgia Tech McAuley Aquatic Center and Westminster (diving) with supportive fans during the five-day event. Congratulations to state champions and all swimmers and divers who competed. Team winners were:
Boys - Brookwood (6A, First since 2019), Johns Creek (5A, 5th straight), Northview (4A, First state title) and GAC (1A-3A, First since 2010);
Girls - Brookwood (6A, Back-to-back), Lassiter (5A, 5th straight), Marist (4A, First since 2021) and Lovett (1A-3A, First state title). Leadoff state championships by Northview & Lovett.
Much appreciation goes to Atlanta Swimming Meet Directors Franke Marsden, Matt Murphy and Evan Nylander, Georgia Tech Aquatic Center, Westminster, NFHS Network, GoFan, River Oak Photography, TeamIP, West Georgia Sports Information Services, coaches, athletes, meet officials, sponsors, volunteers, parents and fans that supported this outstanding state meet.
Meet Results
1-3A / 4A Results
Video
Order digital downloads at NFHS Network.
Photos
All action photography orders were made in advance with riveroakphotography.com, but you can sign up to be notified when awards podium photos by clicking here. Contact orders@riveroakphotography.com with any questions. Select photos will be placed on GHSA Photo Gallery.
Northview (4A Boys)
Lassiter (5A Girls)
Johns Creek (5A Boys)
Brookwood (6A Girls)
Brookwood (6A Boys)
Congratulations to the 2025 GHSA Girls Team Dual Wrestling Champions
The 2025 GHSA Girls Team Dual Wrestling State Championship presented by US Army was held January 25 at Lumpkin County HS. Congratulations to Greenbriar (D1) and Lumpkin County (D2) who both won first-time state tiles in the inaugural season of two division competition.
Much appreciation to host Lumpkin Co. HS, wrestling officials, GHSA staff, US Army, Takedown Sportswear, NFHS Network, TrackWrestling, FloWrestling, GoFan, sponsors, table workers, volunteers, teams, wrestlers and fans.
Brackets
Click here
Girls Division 1 - Greenbrier
Girls Division 2 - Lumpkin County
Congratulations to the 2025 Boys Team Dual Wrestling Champions
The 2025 GHSA Boys Team Dual Wrestling State Championships presented by US Army were held January 17-18 at six (6) school sites. Highly competitive finals in 2A, 4A and 5A were decided by single-digit points.
Congratulations to State Champions: Camden County (6A, 11 straight), Creekview (5A, First since 2020), Cass (4A, Three straight), Jefferson (3A, Last won 2023). Rockmart (2A, Four straight) and Social Circle (1A, Back-to-Back).
Much appreciation to the six (6) host school sites, wrestling officials, GHSA staff, US Army, Takedown Sportswear, NFHS Network, TrackWrestling, FloWrestling, GoFan, sponsors, table workers, volunteers, teams, wrestlers and fans.
Class 3A - Jefferson
Class 2A - Rockmart
Class 1A - Social Circle
GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships Presented by US Army
The 2025 GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Tournament, presented by the US Army, will be held February 13-15, 2025. Girls will compete in their own single championship with 14 weight classes and boys' individual state titles will be contested in seven classifications with 14 weight classes. All matches on all mats will be streamed live on NFHS Network and TrackWrestling.
When
February 13-15, 2025
Where
Macon Centreplex
200 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Directions
Visit Macon: With its rich music history, stunning architecture, Southern charm and a diverse culinary scene, Macon, Georgia is "Where Soul Lives." Plan what to do on your Macon visit today! https://visitmacon.org/
Tickets
All Tickets available ONLY on GoFan!
Schedule
Event Program
TBD
Video
Watch all matches and all mats of Traditional State Championships streaming LIVE at TrackWrestling.com and NFHSNetwork.com. Subscription rates will apply. An all-access pass for NFHS Network is $11.99 per month (30 days) for unlimited viewing. Streaming rights are exclusive to the GHSA, NFHS Network and TrackWrestling. NO other live broadcasts are permitted on social media or any other online platform!
Merchandise
State championship merchandise will be available on site by Takedown Sportswear. Merchandise can be preordered for pickup at the Takedown booth by clicking here.
Brackets
Click here
2025 Slam Dunk / 3-Point Contest presented by BSN Sports
We are looking for the state’s best players to enter the 2025 Slam Dunk and Girls / Coed 3-Point Contests presented by BSN Sports with finals to be held at the Basketball State Championships in Macon.
Last season’s BSN Sports Girls 3-Point Contest was won by Lizzie McGrath of Riverwood. Coed 3-point winners were Athena Vachtsevanos and Micah Jimerson of North Hall. And the Slam Dunk winner was Jeremy Bell of Clinch County.
This year -- It could be you! Have fun and join the competition.
BOYS SLAM DUNK CONTEST
CONTEST RULES
- One classification
- One entry per school
- Participants must meet all GHSA eligibility standards
- Special props/ gimmicks are not allowed. Participants may use one individual to assist.
- Videos should be :30 seconds or less. Game video will be accepted.
- Gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded
ENTER COMPETITION
- Entries will be accepted January 17-31.
- Slam dunk videos must be uploaded on accepted platforms of YouTube, Vimeo, or Instagram. A link to upload videos will be provided.
VOTING
- Fans can vote daily for as many players as they’d like on Feb. 3-14 and 17-21.
KEY DATES
- Jan. 17 – 31 Slam dunk entries accepted.
- Feb. 3 – Feb. 14 1st round voting on GHSA.net & social media
- Feb. 17 – Feb. 21 Semifinal round voting among Top 8
- March 8 Boys Slam Dunk Finals
GIRLS / CO-ED 3-POINT SHOOTING CONTESTS
CONTEST RULES
- One classification
- One entry per school
- Participants must meet all GHSA eligibility standards
- Liability Consent form must be completed prior to participating
- Co-Ed teams must be students at the same school.
- Gold, silver, and bronze medals presented
- Click here for the Registration Form, Contest Rules, and Liability Form
COMPETITION ROUNDS
- Preliminary rounds will be held on February 15-16 at the following sites:
- Feb. 15 (9:00 am) Statesboro HS, Perry HS & Lowndes HS.
- Feb. 16 (2:00 pm) Dawson County HS, Mundy’s Mill HS & Cherokee HS.
- Semifinal rounds will be held on February 22-23 at the following sites:
- Feb. 22 (9:00 am) Lowndes HS
- Feb. 23 (2:00 pm) Mundy’s Mill HS & Cherokee HS.
- All competitors must complete the "Liability Waiver" and submit it at registration sign-in. NOTE: Co-Ed teams must be students at the same school.
- Top three scores from each preliminary round will advance to the semifinal round.
- The top scores from each semifinal round will advance to the Championship Finals at the Macon Coliseum Thursday, March 6 (Co-Ed) and Friday, March 7 (Girls).
- Sites will be supervised by GHSA representatives
- Each participant will have 90-seconds to shoot from four designated areas beyond the 3-point line. Racks shall have (6) balls. Each ball counts as 1-point, and the final ball of each rack counts as 3-points.
KEY DATES
- Feb. 15-16 Preliminary Rounds
- Feb. 22-23 Semifinal Rounds
- March 6 Co-ed 3-Point Finals
- March 7 Girls 3-Point Finals
Dance State Champions
The GHSA will host the 2024-25 Dance State Championships on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Tickets will be sold exclusively on GoFan, no box office sales. The center will be cleared between the first and second sessions, so be sure your tickets are for the correct session. Dance teams can compete as coed or all-girl in genres of Jazz, High Kick, Hip Hop and Pom.
When
February 22, 2025
Where
Akins Arena at the Classic Center, Athens GA
300 North Thomas Street, Athens GA
Tickets
All Tickets available ONLY on GoFan!
How Fans Buy Tickets
Schedule: Class A, 3A-4A @ 10am
Class 4A-5A, 6A @ 3pm
Team Info
TBD
Event Fan Guide
Digital Fan Guide will be available for free download and also attached to GoFan tickets. Produced by Score Atlanta.
Photos
Unforgettable Moments will shoot photography at Dance State Championships to order post event. Select photos will also be available on GHSA Photo Gallery.
Video
All routines are available to watch LIVE and On Demand at NFHS Network to any device. Subscription rates apply. Streaming rights are exclusive to the GHSA and the NFHS Network. NO other live broadcasts are permitted on social media or any other online platform!
Social Media
Follow & Tag your Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & TikTok post to @OfficialGHSA.
Merchandise
State championship merchandise will be available on site by TeamIP.
Legendary Mary Persons Football Coach Dan Pitts Honored with Documentary
Monroe County filmmaker, John Walton, held a public viewing of a documentary that chronicled the life of the former Top Dog who holds the ranking of one of the top winningest head football coaches in the Peach State.
During Pitts 39 year career coaching on the gridiron, he earned the record of 349 wins and 109 losses along with 4 ties. His one shining moment coming in 1980 when the heralded black and gold won the schools only state championship.
A night for a legendary coach who had such a lasting impact on and off the field in the Forsyth community, the GHSA and the state of Georgia.
Monies raised from the premiere will support the Coach Dan Pitts Memorial Scholarship.
Bass Fishing State Qualifier #2 at Lake Oconee on February 8
The second qualifying tournament in Bass Fishing will take place on February 8 at Lake Oconee in Buckhead.
Below is more information on the event:
- Tournament Director: • Kevin Hunt – MLF 270.205.5155 or kevin.hunt@majorleaguefishing.com
- Practice: • Competition waters are open for practice until 5 p.m. on Feb. 7 • The purchasing of, or bartering for, information or the hiring of fishing guide services will not be permitted after January 28.
- Boat Operation: • Contestants are not permitted to drive the boat when the combustion engine is in operation. Each boat will be driven by a coach or volunteer driver. Contestants may operate the trolling motor. Coaches and volunteers may provide assistance, including information about locating and catching fish, but are not permitted to fish.
- Catch & Size Limit: • Five bass per team; minimum 14 inches on all bass.
- License Requirement: • A Valid GA fishing license is required for students 16 and older.
- Format: • Each GHSA approved school may enter up to six boats in each regional competition. The top 15 boats from each regional advance to the state Championship. One additional boat will advance from each regional for every 10 boats that compete over a minimum of 100 boats in the regional. Boats advance from the first event in which they qualified. If a boat has already qualified for the state championship, the next eligible boat will advance.
- GHSA Contact: • Robin Hines 478.338.6029 or robin.hines@ghsa.net
- Registration: • All anglers must pre-register online at HighSchoolFishing.org no later than Monday before the event at 5 p.m.
- Mandatory Registration: • Friday, February 7, 5:00-6:30 p.m. • Sugar Creek Marina, 353 Parks Mill Road, Buckhead, GA 30506 • Anglers, coaches & captains must attend. • Pre Tournament meeting immediately following check-in.
- Takeoff and Weigh-in on Feb. 8: • Takeoff: 7:30 a.m. • Weigh-in: 3:30 p.m. • At Sugar Creek Marina
- Items to Bring: • Signed liability release • Personal floatation device • Valid student ID • Valid license for state waters to be fished if 16 or older • Sunscreen & sunglasses • Rods and reels • Line cutters & needle-nose pliers • Lures & tackle • Rainsuit • Jersey or shirt representing your school
- Rules: • GHSA, the Student Angler Federation (SAF) and MLF expect strict adherence to the following rules by all contestants. GHSA, SAF and MLF also recommend the use of non-puncturing culling clips for marking fish and livewell additives to help promote the healthy release of bass. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 first and then notify the tournament director.
GHSA - February/March Calendar - 2025
February 1 Deadline for notification of entry in Literary
Jan 31 - Feb 1 Traditional Wrestling Region/Area Tournaments
4-8 State Diving and Swimming Championships
5 Hardship/Appeal Committee Meeting
7,8 Traditional Wrestling Sectional Tournaments
10 First game date for Baseball; First practice date for Slow Pitch Softball
12 Complete Area Riflery
13 Slow Pitch Softball first contest date
13-15 Traditional Wrestling State Tournament
15 Complete Region Basketball; First contest date for Golf
16 File Region Basketball winners by 9 a.m.
17 GHSA Office closed for Presidents Day
18 Hardship/Appeal Committee Meeting
18, 19 First Round State Basketball Tournaments
21, 22 Second Round State Basketball Tournament
22 Dance State Championship
25 Complete Riflery Sectionals
25, 26 Quarterfinal Round State Basketball Tournament
March 1 Football Schedules due; Deadline for notification of entry in ALL sports (2025-26)
28 - 1 Quarterfinal Round State Basketball Tournament