MSHSAA Board of Directors overhaul championship factor for non-public schools

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri State High School Activities Association Board of Directors have made significant changes to the championship factor for non-public schools.

During MSHSAA Board of Director's June meeting, the board approved three recommendations presented to them by the Ad Hoc Committee on Competitive Equity.

The board adopted a depreciating model for the accrual of Championship Factor points by non-public schools, removed the two-class maximum shift for schools, and implemented a new threshold to address the other two changes.

"This is a first step toward continuing to examine competitive equity more closely in an effort to be responsive to our member schools," MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. "Our conversations will continue this fall as we explore additional ways to provide fairness and equity within a diverse membership."

The depreciating model for accrual will work like the photo below.

The following year of a state championship, runner-up finish, Final Four appearance or district title will have the most points, but every year after, the value of that previous championship, runner-up, Final Four, or district championship will diminish.

For example, if a non-public school wins a state title in football in 2025, the value of the championship will be 10 points in 2026, but seven points in 2027, and then on down.

With the change to the points, the board also voted to remove the two-class maximum shift. This change means that non-public schools can't be limited to moving up just two class levels. Instead, a non-public school can theoretically go from a Class 2 school to being a Class 6 school in a sport.

The board has changed the thresholds for reclassification.

• 0-4 points: remain classified by raw enrollment classification.
• 5-10 points: reclassified one class above raw enrollment classification.
• 11-17 points: reclassified two classes above raw enrollment classification.
• 18-22 points: reclassified three classes above raw enrollment classification.
• 23-26 points: reclassified four classes above raw enrollment classification.
• 27+ points: reclassified five classes above raw enrollment classification.

MSHSAA's website will reflect these changes no later than July 15.