New rural division for school sports in Florida begins in 2011-12 season

The Florida High School Athletic Association voted Monday to accept a new classification system with a class for rural schools, reports D.C. Reeves for the Pensacola News Journal. The schools must have from 44 to 600 students to be a member of the new category, according to information from the FHSAA.  FHSAA has a membership of more than 770 middle and senior high schools. (Read more)

In December, the FHSAA will announce the specific district assignments. In January, schools will be allowed to appeal their assignments before they are set permanently. To win an appeal, a school has to show some need for the move. Most times, successful appeals are based on travel concerns, according to Reeves. (Read more)