| LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS | ||||
| Title: | Additional Classification for Unified Track & Field | |||
| Author: | Jeff Squier + Unified Track and Field Committee | |||
| School: | South Sioux City | |||
| NSAA District: | 3 | |||
| Proposal for: | Activities Manual | |||
| Classes Affected: | All | |||
| Activities Affected: | Unified Sports | |||
| This proposal: | WILL increase costs to the school WILL increase costs to the NSAA WILL increase travel for participating schools WILL decrease a student's or coach's instruction time | |||
| Implementation date: | 2027-08-01 | |||
| Sections affected in Activities Manual: | Page 9 | Article Classification of Schools | Section State Championship Information | |
| Summary: | This proposal would add a classification to Unified Track & Field. Currently, all registered Unified Sports, Track & Field teams are placed into one class for competition. This proposal establishes two classifications (Class A and Class B) for Unified Track & Field state competition. Schools with a 9–11 enrollment of 850 or above (based on October 1 enrollment of the pre-classification year) will compete in Class A on a two-year classification cycle. All remaining participating schools will compete in Class B. | |||
| Rationale: | This proposal provides additional opportunities for students to compete for their school at the Unified State Track & Field Championships. The growth of the sport has allowed for divisions (female, male, co-ed) to be added in recent years. This proposal is an extension of that work and the sport’s growth.
Last year’s Unified Track & Field Participant Data in a single-class model showed 44 of the 74 (59%) participating schools were traditionally classified as Class B-C-D Schools. However, only 20 of the 64 (31%) qualifying entries were traditionally from schools classified in Class B-C-D. By establishing classifications in Class A and Class B, the NSAA and its member schools can ensure equitable competitive access while reflecting the distinct program sizes across member schools. This encourages broader statewide participation without altering existing qualification standards. | |||
| Pros: | The sport continues to grow in participation numbers. This addition provides a state championship experience for more student-athletes while fostering a diverse, statewide perspective The State Championship Meet Qualification Criteria remains the same. | |||
| Cons: | Expanding state championship participation will incur incremental travel, accommodation, and event costs for qualifying schools and the NSAA.
The Unified Track & Field Committee (authors listed above) plan to survey the member schools and engage the NSAA Staff to determine the best format for the State Meet. A 2028 Proposed State Track & Field Championship Schedule (Draft Form) is included after multiple discussions with the NSAA Staff. | |||