Staff report

The NCHSAA will move to eight classifications this fall, with classification based strictly on ADM (Average Dailey Membership) figures.

The last realignment factored in other components such as “athletic success.”

NCHSAA schools range from giants such as Myers Park (3,317 students) in south Charlotte to NC School for the Deaf (22).

The 8A classification will include the giants and semi-giants. West Forsyth (2,205 students) would be the smallest 8A.

The 7As would range from Richmond (2,181) at the top to Smith-field Selma (1,617) as the smallest.

A.L. Brown with an ADM of 1,617 would be a 7A.

The 6As range from South View (1,616) down to St. Stephens (1,209).

Person (1,205) would be the largest 5A school, while West Rowan (956) would be the smallest. The difference in 5A or 4A for the Falcons was a couple of students. That could make a huge difference in West’s athletic fortunes. The Falcons may have been a bully in some sports in 4A.

East Rowan (974) also is on the low end of 5A enrollment, while Carson (1,052) is in the middle.

North Lenoir (954) would be the largest 4A, while South Rowan (929) and Salisbury (916) also would be among the larger 4As.

The 3A enrollments range from 585 students to 793.

The largest 2A school will have 582 students.

North Rowan (544) will be a 2A.

NCHSAA proposals for conference alignments will be the next task.

There likely will be split leagues to ease travel. West Rowan, East Rowan, Carson, South Rowan and Salisbury could all be in a 4A/5A league.

North won’t be in the same conference as Salisbury.

While most fans tend to focus on football when realignments and classification changes are discussed, all high school sports will be affected.