Christ Presbyterian Academy in Tennessee will play an independent schedule and will not participate in the TSSAA playoffs for 2027 & 2028..

In Alabama, the AISA is getting out of athletics, being replaced by the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association which will govern Alabama private schools' athletics while potentially reaching out to include surrounding states.

The rate of change in HS athletics is accelerating.

As the KHSAA seeks a new commissioner, the vision each candidate has for the future of KY HS Athletics will be interesting and I would think there would be substantial variety in what those visions will look like when presented.

Getting crazy in Tennessee. The KHSAA Commissioner hire seems to become more significant each day that passes.

On 9/23/2026 at 8:50 PM, ChiefSmoke said:

Christ Presbyterian Academy in Tennessee will play an independent schedule and will not participate in the TSSAA playoffs for 2027 & 2028..

In Alabama, the AISA is getting out of athletics, being replaced by the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association which will govern Alabama private schools' athletics while potentially reaching out to include surrounding states.

The rate of change in HS athletics is accelerating.

As the KHSAA seeks a new commissioner, the vision each candidate has for the future of KY HS Athletics will be interesting and I would think there would be substantial variety in what those visions will look like when presented.

As long as the Private schools are separated from the Public schools for playoffs, I'm not sure the majority of folks down here in Tennessee care that much. IMO, these Private schools that are leaving the TSSAA are trying to get away from the Big 3 in D2-AAA. I really thought it would be the reverse, the Big 3 leaving the TSSAA and going independent, leaving the remaining D2-AAA schools in the TSSAA. Interesting times!

Per the Tennessean newspaper, Father Ryan will be joined by other D2-AAA schools that have opted out of the TSSAA and will play an independent schedule for the next two-year cycle. Memphis University School and Christian Brothers (Memphis) released a joint statement announcing their move to an independent schedule. Current D2-AAA school Briarcrest (Memphis) is remaining in the TSSAA. Interesting to see if Montgomery Bell Academy or Ensworth will make the move to independent? Chattanooga Christian is opting for an independent schedule for the next two seasons. They were scheduled to move up from D2-AA to D2-AAA.

A couple of smaller Private schools are also making the move to independent status, Clarksville Academy and Mt. Juliet Christian are currently in D2-A.

3 hours ago, Maroon Beech said:

Per the Tennessean newspaper, Father Ryan will be joined by other D2-AAA schools that have opted out of the TSSAA and will play an independent schedule for the next two-year cycle. Memphis University School and Christian Brothers (Memphis) released a joint statement announcing their move to an independent schedule. Current D2-AAA school Briarcrest (Memphis) is remaining in the TSSAA. Interesting to see if Montgomery Bell Academy or Ensworth will make the move to independent? Chattanooga Christian is opting for an independent schedule for the next two seasons. They were scheduled to move up from D2-AA to D2-AAA.

A couple of smaller Private schools are also making the move to independent status, Clarksville Academy and Mt. Juliet Christian are currently in D2-A.

How are these schools handling the catastrophic insurance needs? My underdstanding is this is a key point why Kentucky schools do not leave the KHSAA.

13 hours ago, thsrocks said:

How are these schools handling the catastrophic insurance needs? My underdstanding is this is a key point why Kentucky schools do not leave the KHSAA.

Unknown answer. Excellent point. Members have their catastrophic insurance thru the TSSAA. Possibly have to seek coverage independently after leaving?

15 hours ago, thsrocks said:

How are these schools handling the catastrophic insurance needs? My underdstanding is this is a key point why Kentucky schools do not leave the KHSAA.

Rocks.

Spoke with a Public school athletic director this morning. Middle schools that feed the high school are members of the TMSAA (TN Middle School Athletic Association) a division of the TSSAA. Their kids have catastrophic insurance just like high school's Public annd Private) under the TSSAA umbrella.

Also spoke to a friend that coached at a local Private middle school. He said his and most other private middle schools are NOT members of the TMSAA and have to carry their own insurance.

On 9/29/2026 at 8:08 PM, Maroon Beech said:

Per the Tennessean newspaper, Father Ryan will be joined by other D2-AAA schools that have opted out of the TSSAA and will play an independent schedule for the next two-year cycle. Memphis University School and Christian Brothers (Memphis) released a joint statement announcing their move to an independent schedule. Current D2-AAA school Briarcrest (Memphis) is remaining in the TSSAA. Interesting to see if Montgomery Bell Academy or Ensworth will make the move to independent? Chattanooga Christian is opting for an independent schedule for the next two seasons. They were scheduled to move up from D2-AA to D2-AAA.

A couple of smaller Private schools are also making the move to independent status, Clarksville Academy and Mt. Juliet Christian are currently in D2-A.

Hoping Trinity can get a home and home with some of these schools. For the record the Nashville area schools Trinity played in recent past including MBA, Ensworth, and Brentwood Acadeny chose to stop playimg Trinity. The coaches at MBA stated to me the group voted to no longer play Trinity because it was a detriment to their rosters. This duscussion took place during Trinity Hall of Fame induction when Brad Lampley Jackson's father and Dennis' son, joined his father in the Rocks HOF. The MBA guys had their own table at the celebration.

13 minutes ago, thsrocks said:

Hoping Trinity can get a home and home with some of these schools. For the record the Nashville area schools Trinity played in recent past including MBA, Ensworth, and Brentwood Acadeny chose to stop playimg Trinity. The coaches at MBA stated to me the group voted to no longer play Trinity because it was a detriment to their rosters. This duscussion took place during Trinity Hall of Fame induction when Brad Lampley Jackson's father and Dennis' son, joined his father in the Rocks HOF. The MBA guys had their own table at the celebration.

There's a good discussion on 615 Preps LIVE with Chris Brooks and Scott Burton discussing the state of D2-AAA in Tennessee. Their Wednesday evening program is on YouTube. Their discussion of D2 starts at about the 12:15 mark. For what it's worth, the TSSAA is meeting Thursday concerning these recent movement of schools choosing to go independent.

10 hours ago, Maroon Beech said:

Unknown answer. Excellent point. Members have their catastrophic insurance thru the TSSAA. Possibly have to seek coverage independently after leaving?

According to 615 Preps, these teams are NOT leaving the TSSAA. They are choosing to play an independent schedule and not participate in the Division 2 playoffs in football only. I suppose they will still be covered under the TSSAA's catastrophic insurance.

2 hours ago, Maroon Beech said:

According to 615 Preps, these teams are NOT leaving the TSSAA. They are choosing to play an independent schedule and not participate in the Division 2 playoffs in football only. I suppose they will still be covered under the TSSAA's catastrophic insurance.

That sounds like they have addressed this possible issue. TSSAA is not making the transition too difficult!

On 10/1/2026 at 1:21 AM, thsrocks said:

That sounds like they have addressed this possible issue. TSSAA is not making the transition too difficult!

Good for the TSSAA, responding in a cooperative manner. The Gulf States Independent Athletic Association (GSIAA) is getting started in Alabama but has said they will be open to including schools from other states. I would think it would be best for state associations to keep all of their schools under their operation, even if the model changes. Would most of you agree or disagree with that?