Tennessee approves split of public, private schools

The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association’s (TSSAA) legislative council unanimously approved the proposal, which aims to create a competitive balance among schools. Public and private institutions can play one another during the season but will have separate postseasons.

“I think it levels the playing field,” said Harding Academy athletic director Kevin Starks, who is a Legislative Council member. “I think the independent schools can do things that public schools can’t do.

“I think with the exception of all (schools) being back together, which seems unlikely to happen again, I think it’s right for independent schools to be together and public and charter schools to be together.”

In Oklahoma, the state athletic association rejected a similar proposal last month. Some coaches there argued that a small number of private schools are winning a disproportionate number of championships.

Click here to read more about what’s happening in Tennessee.

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