What we'll see in light of the MSHSAA vote

A measure to split private schools and public schools in separate playoffs wasn't just defeated this week. It was blown out of the water by a 321-92 vote. MSHSAA members, whose votes were announced Thursday, emphatically said they like the playoffs just the way they are.

Except, of course, in football, where schools voted to change the playoffs starting in 2008 to include district champions and second-place finishers. That puts the MSHSAA under pressure to find a fair way to organize the overlapping playoffs, which would see district runners-up go on the road to play at district champions in the round of the playoffs.

One of the most overlooked votes was a milestone that has been defeated in the past: the establishment of an affiliate registered school category for small private schools that can't or don't want to become full MSHSAA members. Under the ARS plan, schools can register as affiliate members and schedule MSHSAA members for regular-season contests. In the past, schools such as Eagle Ridge Christian School in Cape Girardeau and New Salem Academy in Marble Hill have pushed for a similar rule and the scheduling benefit that it brings. Expect most (and maybe all) of the eligible private schools across Southeast Missouri to take advantage of the membership program.

ARS teams still will not be eligible for the MSHSAA playoffs.