A significant development is underway in Alabama's high school sports landscape. Private educational institutions affiliated with both the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama Independent Schools Association (AISA) recently gathered to consider the establishment of an entirely new athletic organization. This proposed entity has now advanced beyond initial discussions, with a comprehensive framework having been formally presented to stakeholders.
New Era Dawns: Alabama Private Schools Chart Independent Athletic Course
On a recent Friday in July 2026, at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery, representatives from numerous private schools convened for a pivotal meeting. Approximately 100 attendees listened intently as organizers unveiled a detailed blueprint for a prospective athletic association. The presentation covered crucial aspects such as proposed district alignments, governance structures, and the underlying rationale for this significant endeavor. This gathering marked a turning point, offering AHSAA-affiliated private schools a concrete alternative following the January decision to separate public and private schools in postseason competitions.
A confidential source present at the meeting shared insights, indicating a newfound sense of confidence within the room. Previous discussions among these schools had often been overshadowed by uncertainty, but this latest meeting presented a tangible plan, suggesting a clear path forward for the future of private school athletics in Alabama. Glynn Lott, the headmaster and football coach at Macon-East Montgomery, is spearheading this ambitious initiative, with an aspirational launch target of the 2027-2028 academic year.
During his presentation, Lott highlighted data illustrating how the AHSAA's decision to segregate public and private member schools had exacerbated existing divides. He specifically pointed to issues arising from the previous 1.35 multiplier and competitive balance factors applied to private schools, which led to increased travel demands and competitive imbalances. The proposed new association's district and regional alignments, meticulously crafted by Lott, take into account various factors beyond mere school enrollment numbers, including geographical considerations, financial implications, and travel times. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more equitable and sustainable competitive environment.
The new districts and regions would encompass all current AISA member schools, alongside private schools presently affiliated with the AHSAA. The proposal outlines a structure with a minimum of three divisions, with the potential for a fourth, each comprising at least 20 teams. Regions within these divisions would consist of seven to nine teams, ensuring localized competition. Attendees were also given the opportunity to electronically cast their votes for a name for the new association, a name that will subsequently undergo legal review for trademark compliance.
Key challenges addressed during the meeting included potential difficulties with cross-play competitions and the crucial question of securing membership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). As the meeting concluded, participants were encouraged to express their interest in joining the proposed association, indicate their preferred timeline for participation, and signal their willingness to contribute to the development of its policies and rulebooks in the coming months. According to the source, this initiative is "not just talk" but represents a "real path forward," one that AISA schools are ready to embark upon, and AHSAA independent schools now have the opportunity to join.
This initiative represents a pivotal moment for high school athletics in Alabama. The formation of a new athletic association for private schools, driven by a desire for greater autonomy and tailored competitive structures, could redefine the landscape of interscholastic sports. It underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by different school demographics within a broader athletic framework. This development will undoubtedly be closely watched by educational institutions and sports enthusiasts alike, potentially setting a precedent for similar movements in other regions.
