Discussions are still ongoing in South Dakota on whether or not a six-man class of football should be added in the state.
A few months ago, a six-man football proposal advanced out of the football advisory committee. On Wednesday, those minutes were heard in Pierre during the South Dakota High School Activities Association board meeting.
SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director John Krogstrand explained that if this proposal were to pass, it would likely eliminate one of the three classes of nine-man football to make room for a six-man class.
“We do have, on the books, language about if nine-man falls below 64 teams, it would go to two classes automatically,” said Krogstrand. “We expect that obviously if we have a six-man class, it’s going to take away from that [nine-man class] population.”
Krogstrand also made it clear that the goal is to NOT exceed seven classes of football in South Dakota.
Proponents to the six-man football proposal believe it would allow smaller schools with no real co-op options to field a football team. While opponents don’t think the proposal is necessary.
What’s the next step?
The six-man football proposal will be discussed and voted on next by the Athletic/Activities Directors of South Dakota. If the AD’s vote in favor of it, the proposal would then go to the High School Activities Association for further action.
Even if the six-man football proposal is passed by all required parties this year, it wouldn’t go into effect until the 2019 high school football season.
