1. Why do you believe the 3.0 multiplier is the best answer to addressing concerns over private-school domination of sports? “The 2.0 was not effective in addressing it. When you have a school that won nine state championships and played for four more, or you have one classification where two schools dominated the whole class, I think 3.0 is the way to put them in classifications where it’s more competitive for them. I don’t know if we’ll ever have a perfect solution to leveling the playing field, but that is our goal. We want everybody to have a fair chance to win.”

2. Private schools proposed a competitive-balance model that would classify their individual sports teams in different classes based on individual team success. Why did this proposal not win favor? “At some point in time, a format of that nature may be implemented. It’s part of the evolution of high school sports. But the issue we had for now is that you might have a school in one class for football but another one for basketball and then another for baseball. I think that would lead to confusion about who you’re playing and what region schools are in. We have a little bit of that now in area sports [sports with not enough statewide participation to use the standard 64 regions], but generally speaking, all schools are in regions, and you know who you’re playing in all the sports. What they proposed is more complicated, and I know it could be done, but I don’t think we’re ready. But if you’d asked me 10 years ago if I thought we’d ever have a 3.0 multiplier one day, I would’ve said no way. So I’d probably say yes, a competitive-balance model can happen in the future.”

3. The GHSA won’t assign schools to classifications until attendance data comes in late this month, but projections with a 3.0 multiplier show some bold moves, such as St. Pius, Woodward Academy and possibly even Blessed Trinity going into the highest classification, along with Carrollton. Some schools that aren’t particularly successful in sports also could be placed in higher classifications. Do you believe those schools can compete at those levels? “I think some schools can compete in the higher classifications, yes. For some of them, it doesn’t matter about the number of students. If you put them in 7A, they could complete. Whether they could win a state championship is another issue, but they can progress in the state playoffs. With that said, the reclassification committee will hear appeals. We will use logic. If a school is moved up by a multiplier, and you have 100 [out-of-zone] students who are at the school for band or dance or drama and don’t participate in athletics, then that needs to be considered. That should not be the reason you’re moved into a higher class. We’ll look at each situation and give a school a chance to make an argument. If you come to the committee and say, ‘Look, we might’ve made the playoffs in a sport or two, but we aren’t getting by the first round,’ that’s where we might say yes. But if you won nine state championships last year and don’t want to move up, no, I’m not going to buy that one.”

4. The debate over the multiplier was contentious at times, and private schools even hinted at pulling out of the GHSA if an earlier proposal to separate them from public schools in the playoffs had been adopted. Are you concerned that some schools, the private ones in particular, will go away mad after this reclassification? “Yes, and I understand them being upset, I really do. And once again, from their perspective, they feel they’re not being treated fairly, but say this: We all live in Georgia, and we need to set an example to kids on how to work out problems. I want private schools to be with the GHSA. They have great schools, great administrators, great students and great athletes. It’s important for students from all schools, public and private, to see each other and compete against each other. Athletics offers a bridge for us to get together and make relationships. So in the next few weeks, we need to make sure we do everything we can to be fair and reasonable.”

Wilson is the official football, softball, basketball and baseball of the GHSA, providing balls for playoffs/championships. Wilson Sporting Goods has been at the heart of sports history for over a century. As the originator of breakthrough technologies, Wilson has produced legendary classics and earned world-wide legitimacy as the leading manufacturer of ball sports equipment. Contact Craig Kalb ([email protected]) or Ken Weinhardt (k[email protected]).

At Thrivent, we believe everyone deserves a financial plan. But money can seem complicated and life gets busy, especially during football season. I know this first-hand, as a financial advisor who is also blessed to coach high school football in this state. Whether it’s investment guidance, budgeting, life insurance, debt management or retirement planning, I can help. Please reach out with any questions or needs. Have a great season! Contact Andrew Frerking by phone at 404-772-0909, via email by clicking here, or on the web at www.thrivent.com

Greater Georgia Basketball Officials, one of the leading GHSA officials organizations, assigns officials to more than 25 high schools in the state. Our group is comprised of dedicated and professional men and women looking to give back to the game of basketball. If you are interested in joining Greater Georgia (GGBO), please contact Mike Oglesby via email by clicking here or by mail at Greater Georgia Basketball Officials, 3770 Cliff Crest Drive, S.E., Smyrna, GA 30080.

Mike Tierney, a former longtime sports editor and writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, has drawn from his experiences as a basketball coach in the Decatur school system to write the sports teen fiction book "Perfect To A Fault" about a high school player who goes through an entire season without missing a shot. Mike now coaches at Notre Dame High in the Los Angeles area, where he briefly worked with Ziaire Williams, the No. 10 pick in the NBA draft. Order the book by clicking here.

Georgia Storm Prep Academy, named for owner and head coach Storm Johnson (a former UCF standout and NFL running back), is a pre- and post-graduate football program. The program includes a complete academic program with NCAA approved classes, athletic training and competitions against other Prep programs and JUCOs to gain additional exposure. We will provide the best opportunity for student-athletes to grow and mature within athletics, education, and life skills while in attendance. For information, call 678-346-8144 or contact us via email by clicking here.

The Double Good virtual app provides an excellent way to stay focused on your team while providing the funds you need to participate at the highest level. Our platform is 100% contactless, and our popcorn ships directly to your supporters. You could have results like these football programs which profited: Eastside - $26,000; East Coweta - $27,000; Milton - $25,000; Westlake - $39,000; and Woodstock - $24,000. For more information or to get started, contact Westlake head coach Robert May via email by clicking here.

Jon Nelson followed the story of the Irwin County Indians' 2019 season for GPB Sports and the chronicling of the eventual Single-A Champs is now in book form. Head Coach Buddy Nobles was given a cancer diagnosis before the season started. An entire community - on the field and off - united with the Nobles family and the Indians for a season no one touched by the story would ever forget. Order the book by clicking here.

Pace Academy JV football is looking for an opponent on Oct. 14 for a two-quarter game. Will travel. If interested, contact coach Chris Slade at 404-561-2556.

The 2021 Fall Metro Atlanta College Football Recruiting Fair will be held at Atlanta Metropolitan State College on Tuesday, Nov. 30 (8 a.m-3 p.m.) and Wednesday, Dec. 1 (8 a.m.-noon). FCS, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCOs and Prep Schools from across the country will be there looking for football prospects from the classes of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. High school coaches can register by clicking here.