STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Competitive Balance Ad Hoc Committee held its 12th meeting at the organization’s headquarters on Aug. 3.

The committee discussed how various plans under consideration could address the competitive balance issues identified during the meeting. Without addressing the plan's details, the group agreed that some of the basic components of the Colorado Plan provide the best fit for Wisconsin.

Consistent with previous meetings, the group reviewed its purpose statement and new information collected through the competitive balance feedback portal. The committee proceeded to meet in small groups to consider various plans, including those from other states. 

After reviewing those plans, the committee met as an entire group to answer key questions. The first was whether the group believed, after considering data that had been collected, analyzed and reported by Baird to the committee, that a competitive balance issue exists and should be addressed. The committee unanimously agreed that a competitive balance issue does exist and should be addressed.

Next, the committee worked to identify specific competitive balance concerns. Among the items, committee members agreed that athletes, coaches, parents and administrators perceive some schools have unfair advantages or disadvantages. Moreover, in responding to data collected and presented by Baird, correlations do exist between particular variables and tournament success. Finally, while enrollment is currently the only factor used for divisional placement, committee members agreed that factors, other than strictly enrollment, should be considered to create more competitive balance in the Tournament Series.

Before adjourning, the committee discussed some next steps, including creating a subcommittee to meet in the coming weeks to address some of the details of a plan that will be presented to members at the upcoming WIAA Area Meetings. The committee will meet again, virtually, on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

For more information on the proceedings of the Competitive Balance Ad Hoc Committee, access the Competitive Balance homepage at:  http://www.wiaawi.org/Schools/Competitive-Balance.

For a video summary of the meeting, please use this link to listen to co-chairs, Michelle Guyant-Holloway and Jordan Sinz.

The membership of the WIAA oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 516 senior high schools and 45 junior high/middle level schools in its membership. It sponsors 27 championship Tournament Series for boys and girls in 2022-23. For more information, please contact the WIAA office at (715) 344-8580.

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