New structure for football classifications, 2016 cycle?

[GuvHog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

[GuvHog]

The one thing I keep coming back to is the hypocrisy of some 6A schools crying about having to play schools with a larger population, yet have no problem doing the very same to 5A programs.

Smallest 6A Greenwood has approximately 28% of the student population that Bentonville does...

Smallest 5A Morrilton has approximately 43% the student population that Russellville does...

Morrilton regularly beats up on Russellville in Football though...Don't see many schools beating up on Bentonville to often...

Both Greenwood and Morrilton would benefit greatly if the change to a 24-32-32-32 system was made.

[ricepig]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

It's just to play conference games, separate championships. And remember, it for everything but football.

[tmycjy]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

I still don't know why we don't keep it the same way

[Lionheart88]

Because the the AAA is ultimately a democratic body, and very few people want to keep it the same.  If it doesn't change it'll only be because a majority couldn't agree on what to change it to, not because there wasn't a majority in favor of change.

[Uncle Ivan]

Because it's not enough that they screwed up two classifications, they want to drag a third into it.

If a school is not directly involved with the proposed change, then they have no business voting on it.

[HorseFeathers]

gotta agree with uncle ivan.

[Big Fan]

Because it's not enough that they screwed up two classifications, they want to drag a third into it.

If a school is not directly involved with the proposed change, then they have no business voting on it.

Misery loves company. 

[philip.seaton]

The situation would be much easier to resolve if everyone wasn't so stuck on having eight-team conferences. Four team conferences would solve most of the issues, provide an opportunity for more nonconference games that would generate better attendance and better gates, push the start of conference play back to the final month of the season which would keep interest higher (hence teams that start off conference play terribly) and most importantly cut down on travel for those long distance games. It makes sense, but will it happen? No.

The problem occurs in getting 7 non conference games, although, that's what we are doing in the 7A/6A East and Central this next cycle for all practical purposes.

If every classification is playing only three conference games, extra games would be out there. Some schools like Mountain Home might have problems getting four more games, but probably not. All but a couple of schools would have no problems getting games that would be closer to them. It is just the way things have been done and people don't like change.

hey no offense to this why cant we keep the 7 coffrent game why do they just want 3 coffrent games I like 7 coffrent games thing this sure school at least 7 game season now in the lower class it help school out unless a school cancal out games then it might call a problem

No one wants this. It just makes sense. The argument that teams need seven conference games because of scheduling doesn't fly either. It is something different, something outside of the box. If you look back at history of the first conferences, there was no set number. Everyone gets stuck on the number eight because it has been done that way. It is time to try somethinig different to eliminate this constant problem. To put any team from the western part of the state in a "central" conference is silly just as it is to put a team from central Arkansas in a "western" conference is the same.

[HorseFeathers]

The situation would be much easier to resolve if everyone wasn't so stuck on having eight-team conferences. Four team conferences would solve most of the issues, provide an opportunity for more nonconference games that would generate better attendance and better gates, push the start of conference play back to the final month of the season which would keep interest higher (hence teams that start off conference play terribly) and most importantly cut down on travel for those long distance games. It makes sense, but will it happen? No.

The problem occurs in getting 7 non conference games, although, that's what we are doing in the 7A/6A East and Central this next cycle for all practical purposes.

If every classification is playing only three conference games, extra games would be out there. Some schools like Mountain Home might have problems getting four more games, but probably not. All but a couple of schools would have no problems getting games that would be closer to them. It is just the way things have been done and people don't like change.

hey no offense to this why cant we keep the 7 coffrent game why do they just want 3 coffrent games I like 7 coffrent games thing this sure school at least 7 game season now in the lower class it help school out unless a school cancal out games then it might call a problem

No one wants this. It just makes sense. The argument that teams need seven conference games because of scheduling doesn't fly either. It is something different, something outside of the box. If you look back at history of the first conferences, there was no set number. Everyone gets stuck on the number eight because it has been done that way. It is time to try somethinig different to eliminate this constant problem. To put any team from the western part of the state in a "central" conference is silly just as it is to put a team from central Arkansas in a "western" conference is the same.

Completely agree...it works just fine in the smallest class...why can't it work in the other classes as well?

[SouthpawSensation]

A ray of hope coming?
The AAA board of directors voted unanimously today for a "do pass" recommendation to get rid of the blended 7A/6A conferences, beginning in 2016. However, it's part of a "broad proposal." What could this be?

[Brian G]

A ray of hope coming?
The AAA board of directors voted unanimously today for a "do pass" recommendation to get rid of the blended 7A/6A conferences, beginning in 2016. However, it's part of a "broad proposal." What could this be?

Laying foundation.

[ricepig]

A ray of hope coming?
The AAA board of directors voted unanimously today for a "do pass" recommendation to get rid of the blended 7A/6A conferences, beginning in 2016. However, it's part of a "broad proposal." What could this be?

The OP?

[GuvHog]

A ray of hope coming?
The AAA board of directors voted unanimously today for a "do pass" recommendation to get rid of the blended 7A/6A conferences, beginning in 2016. However, it's part of a "broad proposal." What could this be?

There's gonna be a lot of long distance traveling to football games in the 6A & 7A classifications:

"Under conference proposal regarding football, 7A & 6A would both have 2, eight-team conferences (TOP 4 from each conf makes playoffs)"

[Lions84]

All I know is this if it can be screwed up AAA will do it

[Cajun Hog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

[Hoghead]

The situation would be much easier to resolve if everyone wasn't so stuck on having eight-team conferences. Four team conferences would solve most of the issues, provide an opportunity for more nonconference games that would generate better attendance and better gates, push the start of conference play back to the final month of the season which would keep interest higher (hence teams that start off conference play terribly) and most importantly cut down on travel for those long distance games. It makes sense, but will it happen? No.

The problem occurs in getting 7 non conference games, although, that's what we are doing in the 7A/6A East and Central this next cycle for all practical purposes.

If every classification is playing only three conference games, extra games would be out there. Some schools like Mountain Home might have problems getting four more games, but probably not. All but a couple of schools would have no problems getting games that would be closer to them. It is just the way things have been done and people don't like change.

hey no offense to this why cant we keep the 7 coffrent game why do they just want 3 coffrent games I like 7 coffrent games thing this sure school at least 7 game season now in the lower class it help school out unless a school cancal out games then it might call a problem

No one wants this. It just makes sense. The argument that teams need seven conference games because of scheduling doesn't fly either. It is something different, something outside of the box. If you look back at history of the first conferences, there was no set number. Everyone gets stuck on the number eight because it has been done that way. It is time to try somethinig different to eliminate this constant problem. To put any team from the western part of the state in a "central" conference is silly just as it is to put a team from central Arkansas in a "western" conference is the same.

Genoa Central and Drew County Central are in the same conference. (Texarkana and Monticello) Crazy !!!!

[GuvHog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

[ricepig]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

[GuvHog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

[ricepig]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

Umm, they haven't voted on this last proposal.

[GuvHog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

Umm, they haven't voted on this last proposal.

I don't see a 48 team 6A or 5A Classification passing. The size disparity between the top and bottom teams would be unacceptably LARGE.

[ricepig]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

Umm, they haven't voted on this last proposal.

I don't see a 48 team 6A or 5A Classification passing. The size disparity between the top and bottom teams would be unacceptably LARGE.

They aren't proposing classifications that big, they are going to group the teams in conferences. It's no different than what they do in several other states, everyone will compete for state titles in their respective classification. It also for every sport but football.

[Big Fan]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

Umm, they haven't voted on this last proposal.

I don't see a 48 team 6A or 5A Classification passing. The size disparity between the top and bottom teams would be unacceptably LARGE.

They aren't proposing classifications that big, they are going to group the teams in conferences. It's no different than what they do in several other states, everyone will compete for state titles in their respective classification. It also for every sport but football.

Educating Guv is a tireless and thankless job....and ultimately unsuccessful.  Just make fun of him...it's easier. 

[Brian G]

I long ago just quit engaging.

[ricepig]

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

[Brian G]

It's harmless, interesting and educational to see such thought.  Just frustrating to edit it.

[GuvHog]

Merging 6A with 5A creates a 48 team division and the size disparity would be ridiculous. The 24-32-32-32 plan just works the best.

Amen but that would mean the AAA would have do something smart. Won't happen...

It might if some of the schools get together and propose it.

The schools did get together and propose something.

And to date, all have failed to pass. IMHO the 24-32-32-32 setup will come far closer to passing than anything that has already been proposed and voted on. It just makes too much sense.

Umm, they haven't voted on this last proposal.

I don't see a 48 team 6A or 5A Classification passing. The size disparity between the top and bottom teams would be unacceptably LARGE.

They aren't proposing classifications that big, they are going to group the teams in conferences. It's no different than what they do in several other states, everyone will compete for state titles in their respective classification. It also for every sport but football.

Educating Guv is a tireless and thankless job....and ultimately unsuccessful.  Just make fun of him...it's easier. 

It might work in every sport EXCEPT football and Basketball, but it still leaves the football classifications in a mess. They should adopt my 24-32-32-32 proposal for football and basketball only.

[Youngsta71701]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

[GuvHog]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

[ricepig]

A little info, this proposal came from the Travel Committee, which is made up of representatives from some of the state's most geographically isolated schools in each classification. They convened several times and came up with this proposal.

In football, it will make for some long travel for 6A schools, if the same teams stay in 6A classification, Jonesboro, Marion, MH, Searcy, Russellville, Greenwood, Alma, and Siloam Springs would be in the same conference.

[GuvHog]

A little info, this proposal came from the Travel Committee, which is made up of representatives from some of the state's most geographically isolated schools in each classification. They convened several times and came up with this proposal.

In football, it will make for some long travel for 6A schools, if the same teams stay in 6A classification, Jonesboro, Marion, MH, Searcy, Russellville, Greenwood, Alma, and Siloam Springs would be in the same conference.

.....Which is why it will not pass.

Here are the top 3 classification setups of my 24-32-32-32 Proposal
     
                       7A
WEST                                  CENTRAL
Bentonville                            Conway
FS Northside                         Russelville
Springdale                            FS Southside
Fayetteville                          LR Hall
Har-Ber                                Bryant
Rogers                                 Benton
Heritage                               El Dorado
Van Buren                            Lake Hamilton


      EAST
West Memphis
Cabot
Jonesboro
LR Catholic
NLR
LR Central
Marion
Pine Bluff

                              6A

  South                                            West
Sheridan                                     Siloam Springs
Texarkana                                        Alma
Watson Chapel                              Greenwood
H.S. Lakeside                                 Greenbrier
White Hall                                       Villonia
Hot Springs                                 Mountain Home
Magnolia                                        Maumelle
Camden Fairview                              Harrison


  EAST                                            CENTRAL
Searcy                                          LR Parkview
Blytheville                                     LR McClellan
Greene County Tech                         J.A. Fair
Forrest City                                   Jacksonville
Batesville                                       Sylvan Hills
Nettleton                                         Beebe
Wynne                                            Mills
Paragould                                     North Pulaski

                            5A
EAST                                       WEST

Valley View                                   Pea Ridge
HWH                                      Prairie Grove
Lonoke                                   Farmington
Heber Springs                          Pottsville
Pocahontas                             Gravette
Jonesboro Westside                  Huntsville
Batesville Southside                  Dardenelle
Brookland                                Ozark                             


Southeast                                 Southwest

LR Christian                               Hope
Pulaski Academy                      DeQueen
Stuttgart                                Morrilton
Star City                                Ashdown
Bauxite                                  Arkadelphia
Pulaski Robinson                      Mena
Crossett                                Malvern
Monticello                              Nashville

This would have a much, much better chance of passing.

[ricepig]

I hate to tell you Guv, they already favor it in 6A, football is played on Friday night's and will only involve a couple of long trips a year. The local trips in every other sport far out way 2 trips to the western part of the state.

[Youngsta71701]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

The disparity has always been TOO LARGE. Even in the 90's and early 2000's when teams like Camden Fairview had to play teams like FS Northside in the playoffs when they had Cody Burns. Like I've said before they are already playing each other in the regular season so what's the big difference.

[wildcat_x-mgr]

Seriously, if the argument for a 32-team highest class is going to be "size disparity" then WHY in the hockey sticks are they being required to play each other in conference games? Either combine it all into one playoff, or keep the classes completely separate!

[ricepig]

Seriously, if the argument for a 32-team highest class is going to be "size disparity" then WHY in the hockey sticks are they being required to play each other in conference games? Either combine it all into one playoff, or keep the classes completely separate!

That's what the new proposal does.

[wildcat_x-mgr]

Seriously, if the argument for a 32-team highest class is going to be "size disparity" then WHY in the hockey sticks are they being required to play each other in conference games? Either combine it all into one playoff, or keep the classes completely separate!

That's what the new proposal does.

And I'm glad the proposal is on the table, believe me. But it still has to pass first, otherwise the 7A/6A pot keeps getting stirred.

[GuvHog]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

The disparity has always been TOO LARGE. Even in the 90's and early 2000's when teams like Camden Fairview had to play teams like FS Northside in the playoffs when they had Cody Burns. Like I've said before they are already playing each other in the regular season so what's the big difference.

That's why I've suggested the 24-32-32-32 system. It reduces the size disparity and reduces the travel problems too.

[Uncle Ivan]

Seriously, if the argument for a 32-team highest class is going to be "size disparity" then WHY in the hockey sticks are they being required to play each other in conference games? Either combine it all into one playoff, or keep the classes completely separate!

They're not worried about size disparity when it's their programs that are the largest ones.

[HorseFeathers]

Seriously, if the argument for a 32-team highest class is going to be "size disparity" then WHY in the hockey sticks are they being required to play each other in conference games? Either combine it all into one playoff, or keep the classes completely separate!

They're not worried about size disparity when it's their programs that are the largest ones.

Yes...they tell ya'll to suck it up it's what is best for "everyone"....Even though they are running from 7A for the reason the 5A posters don't want this to pass...

[wildcat_x-mgr]

"It's unfair for these schools to compete with each other in the playoffs, so we'll have them compete with each other for playoff spots."

[tmycjy]

"It's unfair for these schools to compete with each other in the playoffs, so we'll have them compete with each other for playoff spots."

That not right eather

[Youngsta71701]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

The disparity has always been TOO LARGE. Even in the 90's and early 2000's when teams like Camden Fairview had to play teams like FS Northside in the playoffs when they had Cody Burns. Like I've said before they are already playing each other in the regular season so what's the big difference.

That's why I've suggested the 24-32-32-32 system. It reduces the size disparity and reduces the travel problems too.

That might work. What do u think about 16-32-32-48-48? Since the 7A is clearly so much better than the rest.

[Youngsta71701]

"It's unfair for these schools to compete with each other in the playoffs, so we'll have them compete with each other for playoff spots."

+1

[Lionheart88]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

The disparity has always been TOO LARGE. Even in the 90's and early 2000's when teams like Camden Fairview had to play teams like FS Northside in the playoffs when they had Cody Burns. Like I've said before they are already playing each other in the regular season so what's the big difference.

That's why I've suggested the 24-32-32-32 system. It reduces the size disparity and reduces the travel problems too.

That might work. What do u think about 16-32-32-48-48? Since the 7A is clearly so much better than the rest.

Right now, that would necessitate Fort Smith to West Memphis conference trips.  After Bentonville splits and it only means FS to Grant for conference games, that becomes more viable.  But it still just shifts the size difference burden onto the second biggest classification.

[GuvHog]

From conversation with two different AD's, the 2016 cycle will see the 7A schools play each other in conference games, while the 6A and 5A will be combined for conference play. The 6A and 5A will split into their respective classes for the playoffs. It was my understanding that this was football only.

Hey the way I LOOK AT IT. IT SHOULD BE ALL SPORT not just football

It may end up being that way, two years to get it right.

Hey WHY CAN WE GO TO A

32 FOR 7A AND 6A AND CALL IT 6A
32   5A
32   4A
64    3A
40   2A SYSTEM

32 largest schools- 6A...we already have the format in place just need to combine and make one classification...
32 next biggest schools- 5A
48 next biggest schools- 4A
48 next biggest schools- 3A
48 or all the leftover smaller schools- 2A

And get rid of this 2 year cycle stuff and go to a 4 year cycle. Every 2 years is way too much change.

It won't work because because the size disparity between what would be the top 6A school and the #32 6A school would be TOO LARGE.

The disparity has always been TOO LARGE. Even in the 90's and early 2000's when teams like Camden Fairview had to play teams like FS Northside in the playoffs when they had Cody Burns. Like I've said before they are already playing each other in the regular season so what's the big difference.

That's why I've suggested the 24-32-32-32 system. It reduces the size disparity and reduces the travel problems too.

That might work. What do u think about 16-32-32-48-48? Since the 7A is clearly so much better than the rest.

A 16 team 7A classification presents some serious travel problems for at least 8 of the 16 schools. The method I've suggested lessens travel distances and lessens the size disparity too. It's just the best Idea.

[SouthpawSensation]

Guys, guys, please read what I'm about to post.
Class 7A's travel situation will greatly diminish in 2016 because Bentonville West knocks West Memphis down to 6A. And that's going to happen. Take it to the bank.
You'll have the seven NWA schools combined with either Van Buren or one of the Fort Smith schools in one conference. The other conference will have the other two schools mentioned, plus North Little Rock, Conway, Cabot, Bryant, Little Rock Central and Little Rock Catholic/Mount St. Mary in the other.
The only possible hiccup could arise if this Jacksonville/North Pulaski bolt from the PCSSD and consolidation causes that school to go past Van Buren into 7A status, but that's just a minor bump in the road and an easy fix.
It's Class 6A with the upcoming travel issues in the 2016 cycle, no matter how a person cuts it.

[GuvHog]

Well, under my 24-32-32-32 proposal, when Bentonville splits it would look like this:
     
                       7A
WEST                                  CENTRAL
Bentonville                            Conway
Bentonville West                    Russelville
Springdale                            FS Southside
Fayetteville                          FS Northside
Har-Ber                                Bryant
Rogers                                 Benton
Heritage                               El Dorado
Van Buren                            Lake Hamilton


      EAST
West Memphis
Cabot
Jonesboro
LR Catholic
NLR
LR Central
LR Hall
Pine Bluff

                              6A

  South                                            West
Sheridan                                     Siloam Springs
Texarkana                                        Alma
Watson Chapel                              Greenwood
H.S. Lakeside                                 Greenbrier
White Hall                                       Villonia
Hot Springs                                 Mountain Home
Magnolia                                        Maumelle
Mills                                              Harrison


  EAST                                            CENTRAL
Marion                                          LR Parkview
Blytheville                                     LR McClellan
Greene County Tech                         J.A. Fair
Forrest City                                   *Jacksonville
Batesville                                       Sylvan Hills
Nettleton                                         Beebe
Wynne                                            Searcy
Paragould                                     *North Pulaski

                            5A
EAST                                       WEST

Valley View                               Pea Ridge
HWH                                      Prairie Grove
Lonoke                                   Farmington
Heber Springs                          Pottsville
Pocahontas                             Gravette
Jonesboro Westside                  Huntsville
LR Christian                            Dardenelle
Brookland                                Ozark                             


Southeast                                 Southwest

Camden Fairview                        Hope
Pulaski Academy                      DeQueen
Stuttgart                                Morrilton
Star City                                Ashdown
Bauxite                                  Arkadelphia
Pulaski Robinson                     Mena
Crossett                                Malvern
Monticello                              Nashville


* According to some who would know, if the Jacksonville-North Pulaski merger takes place it will be several years down the road and at least a couple of cycles before that would occur.

[Brian G]

if Bentonville splits

[GuvHog]

if Bentonville splits

Point taken. I changed it to "when" Bentonville splits