Here's an idea that just struck me. I'll throw it out here and you all can rip it up. I really haven't considered all the issues that might arise. Anyway, here if goes:

 

There are two big complaints that keep coming up with the new system. One is that it breaks up local rivalries. The other, that it greatly increases travel distances.

 

My system would break the state into four regions -- each with an equal number of schools. Schools would then be classified within their individual region. This would tend to concentrate more schools in each of the classes within a region.

 

Parity would be established within that particular region. Teams wouldn't have to travel as far for district games and more natural local rivalries could be maintained.

 

Now I realize that the weakness of this system comes in at the state level. 6A in one region would likely be comprised of smaller schools than a 6A in another region. Likewise in the other classes. But at least the teams would get to the final four without issues of size coming up. And of course, in a semi or final game, anything can happen.

 

Okay, that's my crazy plan.

 

Be gentle....

Birdsfan,

 

I'm almost certain I was thinking about something similar to this in my own mind after the new alignment proposal came out. I do have a few questions:

 

1) Is this plan similar to the conference system in Ohio in which numerous teams from one area compete, often regardless of classification? I think that might be a good way to preserve old rivalries and make the competition for the regular season (league, region, conference, whatever you'd call it) championship very interesting.

 

2) If that is what you're talking about, then do we move to a system in which everyone makes the playoffs because the league teams wouldn't all play each other?

Here's an idea that just struck me. I'll throw it out here and you all can rip it up. I really haven't considered all the issues that might arise. Anyway, here if goes:

 

There are two big complaints that keep coming up with the new system. One is that it breaks up local rivalries. The other, that it greatly increases travel distances.

 

My system would break the state into four regions -- each with an equal number of schools. Schools would then be classified within their individual region. This would tend to concentrate more schools in each of the classes within a region.

 

Parity would be established within that particular region. Teams wouldn't have to travel as far for district games and more natural local rivalries could be maintained.

 

Now I realize that the weakness of this system comes in at the state level. 6A in one region would likely be comprised of smaller schools than a 6A in another region. Likewise in the other classes. But at least the teams would get to the final four without issues of size coming up. And of course, in a semi or final game, anything can happen.

 

Okay, that's my crazy plan.

 

Be gentle....

 

I guess I have one question old wise one. Why does anything about this new system break up old rivalries. With more free dates to select non district opponents to be played on, doesn't this actually INCREASE the changes of developing regional rivalries even with teams that aren't necessarily in the same postseason district.

 

Or is the big objection simply change itself? Just curious.

Of course, this is very similar to what they do in very large states such as California.

I guess I have one question old wise one. Why does anything about this new system break up old rivalries. With more free dates to select non district opponents to be played on, doesn't this actually INCREASE the changes of developing regional rivalries even with teams that aren't necessarily in the same postseason district.

 

Or is the big objection simply change itself? Just curious.

I guess I was referring to rivalries that have a direct effect on a team's district standings.

 

As I freely admitted, this idea was just off the top of my head and may not be perfect.

Getslow - I'm honestly not sure; because I'm not real familiar with the conferece system you're talking about. However, this would be more along the lines of playing teams in the class/region/district system we have now.

 

I don't think every team should make the playoffs, even in this kind of system.

Of course, this is very similar to what they do in very large states such as California.

You mean I'm not the only crazy person?

 

Or just the only one east of the Mississippi?

I guess I was referring to rivalries that have a direct effect on a team's district standings.

 

As I freely admitted, this idea was just off the top of my head and may not be perfect.

No problem. Just wanted to be sure. I'm Getting old and skeptical.