The landscape of Georgia high school athletics is set for a significant overhaul, as the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) has released proposed classifications for the 2026-2028 athletic cycle. The restructuring focuses heavily on unifying the smallest division, a move that is projected to elevate area schools, including Chattooga and Trion, into the new Class 2A designation.

While final assignments are subject to appeal, the change stems primarily from the GHSA’s decision to eliminate divisions within its smallest classification, functionally shifting the existing Class 1A-Division I (1A-DI) schools into the new Class 2A.

The End of Divided Class A

For the past several cycles, Class A was divided based on student enrollment into Division I (the larger schools) and Division II (the smaller schools). Under the proposed plan, these divisions will be eliminated, unifying Class A into a single designation for the state’s smallest schools.

The consequence of this unification is a cascading effect throughout the classification ladder:

1A-DI Becomes 2A: Schools previously classified as 1A-DI—including Chattooga and Trion—will now anchor the new Class 2A.
1A-DII Becomes Unified 1A: Schools previously in 1A-DII will make up the new, unified Class 1A.

For Chattooga and Trion, this means moving up a tier in classification and facing a new set of competitive challenges beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Both schools have operated within the 1A-DI structure, and their projected move to 2A signifies a formal change in competition level, even if their student populations remain relatively stable.

System Renamed and Expanded

The classification shifts also necessitate a complete renaming of the classification structure across the board. The GHSA is expanding its upper tier, resulting in the largest classification being designated as Class 7A.

Previously, the largest classification was Class 6A, and the smallest was Class 1A Division II. The new structure simplifies the bottom end while expanding the top:

New Classification (2026-2028) Functional Equivalent (Previous Structure)
Class 7A (New Top Tier) Larger Schools (Previously 6A)
New Class 2A Former Class 1A Division I Schools
New Class 1A (Unified) Former Class 1A Division II Schools

GHSA Executive Director Jamey Martin noted that the changes aim to create more competitive equity while streamlining the administrative process for the state’s school regions.

Appeals Period Underway

It is crucial to note that the proposed classifications are not yet final. The GHSA maintains an appeal process allowing schools to formally challenge their placement based on enrollment data or unique geographic criteria.

Schools have been given a short window to prepare and submit documentation for their appeal. The deadline for schools to submit their proposed appeals to the GHSA is Sunday, November 9th.

Once all appeals are heard and adjudicated, the GHSA will finalize the classification structure. Following the final classification announcement, the GHSA will begin the process of determining specific region alignments, which will dictate who Chattooga and Trion will compete against in their new Class 2A designation for the 2026-2028 athletic cycle.