LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title:		Additional Classification for Unified Track & Field
Author:		Unified Track & Field Committee
School:		Fort Calhoun
NSAA District:		2

Proposal for:		Constitution & Bylaws

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 Constitution & Bylaws:		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:		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.