This page is for Minnesota State High School League Member School ADs
Member schools are classified by sport and activity for postseason competition and performances every two years. Competitive section placements are determined by enrollment and geography (as determined by MSHSL Board policy), with a balanced number of schools in each section at the time of placement. The Board of Directors reviews and approves classifications and competitive section placements for postseason play in MSHSL-sponsored sports and fine arts activities every two years.
The full policy on Classification and Competitie Section Placement is located in the MSHSL Handbook in the 400.00 series on pages 78-81.
MSHSL enrollment:
MSHSL enrollment is determined by the schools Minnesota Department of Education enrollment in year one in grades 9 – 12 minus 40 percent of their educational benefit (free and reduced lunch).
Classification:
The class member schools are placed to perform and compete during the postseason. A member school’s MSHSL enrollment determines classification. Schools have the option to both opt up or appeal, if they qualify, down in team sports every two years. Classification is determined on odd-numbered years every two years.
Competitive Section Placement:
Determined every two years, like classification, member schools are placed by enrollment and geographic location in sports and activities where they compete for postseason play.
2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Resources
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Due: March 6, 2023
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Schools may appeal to move down one class in the following activities: baseball, boys and girls basketball, dance, football, boys and girls hockey, boys and girls soccer, girls softball, one act play, and girls volleyball.
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Per Board Policy, to qualify to appeal, your school or co-op must meet one of these two qualifications:
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School or Co-op enrollment must exceed 50% free and reduced lunch, and/or
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MSHSL enrollment must be within 10% of the enrollment cut-off for that sport or activity.
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Due: January 27, 2023
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Schools may “opt up” to a higher classification in a sport/activity sponsored by their school. ADs anticipating that they would like to opt up must submit a form for each sport/activity you choose to opt up in.
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Opt ups are reviewed by sport/activity, not by school.
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Due: December 16, 2022
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Nonpublic school ADs, who offer free or reduced-price lunch meals should complete the Nonpublic Fall Report Form using the information submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) as of October 1, 2022.