The main reason we went to 6 classes was so more people could be state champions. Do you think there would be 32 teams that would "opt" to knock heads with the biggest an or best programs? I thought "fairness" was why we had 6 classes. In theory you could pick and choose each year. People moan about "travel distance". How's that going to play out? Here's an idea: Go to 5 classes. Everyone plays in their CORRECT class. Take the winner and runner up.

 

If it were all about having more state champs, they why aren’t all the sports in KY classed? This has nothing to do with the tires “everyone gets a trophy” argument. It’s simply a method to keep the playing field level. You’ll never eliminate travel in a state like KY, and there are states much larger and more spread out than KY. You’ll also never eliminate blowouts in the playoffs, and shrinking classes to 4 won’t change that and will create larger districts, and fewer opportunities for smaller schools.

Question for someone who may know how to find this info. How many football playing schools did Ky. have the last year of the 3 class system, and how many the last year of the 4 class system? How many are there now?

 

The first season of class football was 1959 and there were 141 teams.

 

The last season of three class football was 1974 and there were 195 teams.

 

The final season of four class football was 2006 there were 222 teams.

 

Today there are 223.

The first season of class football was 1959 and there were 141 teams.

 

The last season of three class football was 1974 and there were 195 teams.

 

The final season of four class football was 2006 there were 222 teams.

 

Today there are 223.

 

Great information, thank you so much for finding/knowing this!

 

These numbers say a lot.

The main reason we went to 6 classes was so more people could be state champions. Do you think there would be 32 teams that would "opt" to knock heads with the biggest an or best programs? I thought "fairness" was why we had 6 classes. In theory you could pick and choose each year. People moan about "travel distance". How's that going to play out? Here's an idea: Go to 5 classes. Everyone plays in their CORRECT class. Take the winner and runner up.

 

I wonder what the reason is for going to 6 classes. My opinion is they went to 6 classes so everyone could get into the playoffs. Prior to 6 classes I think football was the only KHSAA sport that did not have all participating teams in the playoffs.

I would say the coaches on the football committee pushed for it. Someone asked why other sports are not classified.....the answer for basketball is The Sweet 16. Have always been amazed that no parent has filed a lawsuit for classification since Johnny or Susie is not being treated equitably in their chosen sport that is unclassed. It'll happen.

I would say the coaches on the football committee pushed for it. Someone asked why other sports are not classified.....the answer for basketball is The Sweet 16. Have always been amazed that no parent has filed a lawsuit for classification since Johnny or Susie is not being treated equitably in their chosen sport that is unclassed. It'll happen.

 

That is why we have the All A tournaments.

The first season of class football was 1959 and there were 141 teams.

 

The last season of three class football was 1974 and there were 195 teams.

 

The final season of four class football was 2006 there were 222 teams.

 

Today there are 223.

 

Four class football was originally 1A, 2A, 3A and Jefferson County, right?

The All A tournaments are not sanctioned by the KHSAA as State Tournaments. I will tell you that when you compete in an All A event you are treated to a first class experience. The late Stan Steidle was a visionary for kids in KY.

Four class football was originally 1A, 2A, 3A and Jefferson County, right?

 

Actually three class football from 1959-74 was 1A and 2A then the Jefferson County schools were all 3A. When the state went to 4A in 1975 half of the class was all the Jefferson County schools and the other half was schools out in the state, referred to as At-Large.

I think for KY it is best to have 3 classes. You can take 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 and you would not only save money but usually crown the best teams. If you want 4, still do the same and have teams opt to play in that or have another playoff after state, with the highest seeded team getting a bye.

I would say the coaches on the football committee pushed for it. Someone asked why other sports are not classified.....the answer for basketball is The Sweet 16. Have always been amazed that no parent has filed a lawsuit for classification since Johnny or Susie is not being treated equitably in their chosen sport that is unclassed. It'll happen.

 

The All A tournaments are not sanctioned by the KHSAA as State Tournaments. I will tell you that when you compete in an All A event you are treated to a first class experience. The late Stan Steidle was a visionary for kids in KY.

 

I should have also mentioned in my previous post that there was a lawsuit filed. The KHSAA actually won the lawsuit. Then that is what led to Stan Steidel, Fr. Ed Heile of Latin School and some other N. Ky. small school coaches to start playing the All A tournament.