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North Carolina High School Athletic Association#3A

{{Short description|Sports governing organization}}

{{More citations needed|date=September 2014}}

{{Infobox organization

|name = North Carolina High School Athletic Association

|image =

|image_border =

|size = 220px

|caption =

|map = Map of USA highlighting North Carolina.png

|msize = 250px

|mcaption =

|abbreviation = NCHSAA

|motto =

|formation = 1913

|extinction =

|type =

|status = Association

|purpose = Athletic/Educational

|headquarters = 222 Finley Golf Course Rd.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27515

|location =

|region_served = North Carolina

|membership =

|language =

|leader_title = Executive Director

|leader_name =

|main_organ =

|parent_organization =

|affiliations = National Federation of State High School Associations

|num_staff =

|num_volunteers =

|budget =

|website = [http://www.nchsaa.org nchsaa.org]

|remarks =

}}

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is the governing organization of high school athletics in North Carolina, United States. The association maintains the official rule books and governs the officiating standards across the state.{{cite web|title=NCHSAA Conferences|url=https://www.nchsaa.org/pages/23//|access-date=27 September 2013}}

The NCHSAA organizes member schools into conferences and oversees the state championships for each of the sanctioned sports. The NCHSAA headquarters is located at 222 Finley Golf Course Road, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The mailing address for the NCHSAA is PO Box 3216, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27515.

History

The NCHSAA was founded in 1913 by Dr. Louis Round Wilson (1876–1979), a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The university served as the primary source of funding and leadership for the Association from 1913 through 1947, before the organization adopted its current model, which provides school administrators with direct influence through the presence of the NCHSAA Board of Directors. The NCHSAA remained affiliated with UNC-Chapel Hill until 2010, when it became an independent organization.{{cite web|title=NCHSAA History|date=9 January 2014|url=http://www.nchsaa.org/about-nchsaa/history-nchsaa|access-date=8 August 2016}}

The first state championships were held in the NCHSAA's inaugural year of 1913, in both football and track. Baseball (1914), basketball (1915), and tennis (1916) were added over the next three athletic seasons. The NCHSAA would continue to sanction a variety of different sports throughout its history, including soccer (1927), wrestling (1931), golf (1937), swimming (1950), cross country (1956), softball (1975), volleyball (1976), indoor track (1987), and lacrosse (2010). Women's sports were first sanctioned in 1968, with women's golf being the first sport having an NCHSAA championship.[https://www.nchsaa.org/sites/default/files/attachments/WOMENS%20GOLF%20STATE%20CHAMPIONS%20%26%20RECORDS%2010302019.pdf Women's Golf State Champions]. NCHSAA. Retrieved July 13, 2020.

The vast majority of the NCHSAA's membership consists of public high schools, whether traditional county district-governed schools or charter schools. Only four private schools are affiliated with the NCHSAA, all Catholic schools: Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons, Charlotte Catholic, Bishop McGuinness, and Christ the King. All other private schools within North Carolina are members of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA), and compete for their own state championships; however, it is not uncommon for NCHSAA schools to compete against NCISAA schools.

Classifications

=Early years=

High schools within the state were first organized into classifications in 1929, based by the size of the student population. Prior to 1929, all schools played in a single "open" format and postseason play was decided within "east" and "west" regions by meetings of school administrators. The east versus west postseason approach continues to this day. In 1929, the NCHSAA first split schools into "Class A" and "Class B", with Class A consisting of schools with a larger student population. Several other changes occurred to NCHSAA classifications between 1929 and 1958, which eventually went to three classifications.

The NCHSAA, due to segregation, also did not include African American high schools. These historically black high schools competed in the North Carolina High School Athletics Conference (NCHSAC) and would start to merge into the NCHSAA in 1967.[https://www.nchsaa.org/about-nchsaa/history-nchsaa History of the NCHSAA]. NCHSAA. Retrieved February 23, 2022.

In December 1929, in the Piedmont and Western Foothills region of the state, 16 charter member high schools formed the Western North Carolina High School Activities Association (WNCHSAA). This association grew to as many as 42 high schools and four different conferences. The WNCHSAA schools would merge into the NCHSAA in 1977.[https://www.nchsaa.org/sites/default/files/attachments/WNCHSAA%20Football.pdf WNCHSAA Football]. NCHSAA. Retrieved February 24, 2022.

=1A, 2A, 3A, 4A era (1959–2025)=

In 1959, due to growth and consolidation of North Carolina high schools, member schools were split into four classifications, identified by 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. The states 4A class is made up of the largest high schools, and 1A the smallest. These four classes have remained as the different classification sizes of North Carolina high schools to the current day.

Prior to 1993, a set minimum enrollment number delineated each school's classification. In 1993, schools were split so that approximately 25% of the schools were in each of the four classifications. A new approach was instituted in 2017, known as the 20-30-30-20 model, with the largest 20% in 4A and the smallest 20% in 1A. The middle 60% was split between 2A and 3A. This model received considerable criticism for the unbalanced classes, and the NCHSAA moved back to the 25-25-25-25 model in 2021. The classifications and conferences of each school are assessed every four years based on updated student population numbers.

All NCHSAA sanctioned sports have a separate state championship competition and title for each of the 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A classifications. The only exceptions are sports in which the 1A and 2A classifications are combined (in some instances 1A, 2A, and 3A are combined).

=Football adds subdivisions for each classification (2002–2021)=

In football, starting in 2002, each classification was separated into a single "A" and double "AA" classification, with the double "AA" classification being made up of larger schools than the single "A". Classes were 1A, 1AA, 2A, 2AA, 3A, 3AA, 4A and 4AA for football only. This single "A" and double "AA" format lasted until the fall of 2021, when the NCHSAA went back to football being only 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A class sizes.Sirera, Joe. (December 3, 2020). [https://journalnow.com/sports/high-school/nchsaa-shortens-football-season-and-reduces-number-of-state-champs-starting-in-2021-22/article_3a5d266c-3586-11eb-80d1-8f5e08943c0a.html NCHSAA shortens football season and reduces number of state champs starting in 2021-22]. Winston-Salem Journal. Retrieved February 22, 2022.

=NCHSAA expands to eight classifications=

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, the NCHSAA classifications will double, moving from 4 to 8. The NCHSAA opted for the "Big 32" model, with the 32 largest schools comprising class 8A. The 1A through 7A classifications will be evenly divided, with just under 60 schools apiece.Bryant, Joel. (December 17, 2024). [https://www.highschoolot.com/story/nchsaa-releases-second-draft-of-conferences-for-the-2025-29-realignment-into-8a/21773119/ NCHSAA releases second draft of conferences for the 2025-29 realignment into 8A]. highschoolot.com. Retrieved January 22, 2025.

Sports

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) sanctions the following sports:

Many North Carolina schools, particularly in larger metropolitan areas, have programs in field hockey, girls and boys beach volleyball, and gymnastics. These sports are currently not sanctioned by the NCHSAA.

Championship Sites

The following venues were used for championships during the 2024-25 school year:

Tennis and golf championships are held at multiple facilities around the state, with each class at one or two dedicated venues.

Conferences

These are the conference alignments starting with the 2021–2022 school year. With minor adjustments to accommodate new schools, these alignments will remain through the 2024–2025 school year.

{{cite web |title=NCHSAA conferences |date=14 January 2014 |url=https://www.nchsaa.org/schools/conferences |access-date=31 January 2022}}

=4A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;CAP 6

All schools located in Raleigh, North Carolina

;Central Piedmont

Schools located in Davie and Forsyth counties

;DAC-VII

Schools located in Durham, Orange, and Alamance Counties

;Greater Neuse River

Schools located southern Wake County and northern Johnston County

;Greater Metro

Schools located along the I-85 corridor north of Charlotte

{{col-2}}

;Metro

Schools located in Guilford County

;Northern Athletic

Schools located in northern Wake County

;South Meck

Schools located in Mecklenburg County

;Southern Carolina

Schools located in Union County

;Southwest Wake

Schools located in southwestern Wake County

;Southwestern

Schools located in Mecklenburg and Union counties

{{col-end}}

=3A–4A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;All American Conference

Schools are located in Cumberland and Harnett County Areas

;Big East

Schools located in the central-eastern portion of the state.

;Mideastern

Schools are located in the southeastern corner of the state.

;Mountain

Schools located in Asheville and surrounding communities

{{col-2}}

;Northwestern

Schools are located in the foothills and high country areas of northwestern part of state.

;Queen City

Schools located in Charlotte

;Sandhills

Schools located in the Sandhills region of the state

;United 8

Schools located in the Fayetteville and surrounding areas

{{col-end}}

=3A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Big South

Schools located in Cleveland and Gaston counties

;Central

Schools located in the north-central portion of the state

;Coastal

Schools located along the Southeastern coast of North Carolina

;Mountain 7

Schools located in the western North Carolina mountains

;Mid-Piedmont

Schools located in Davidson, Montgomery, and Randolph counties

{{col-2}}

;Mid-State

Schools located in Guilford, Rockingham, and Forsyth counties

;Quad County

Schools located in Johnston, Wake, Wayne and Wilson counties

;South Piedmont

Schools located in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Rowan counties.

;Western Foothills

Schools located in Catawba, Iredell, and Lincoln counties

{{col-end}}

=2A–3A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;The Big East

Schools located in Franklin, Nash, and Halifax counties

;Northeastern Coastal

Schools located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina

{{col-2}}

;Northern Lakes

Located in the north-central portion of the state

;Rocky River

Schools in the south-central portion of the state

{{col-end}}

=2A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Catawba Valley Athletic

Schools located in Caldwell, Lincoln, and Burke counties

;East Central

Schools located in Duplin, Lenoir, and Onslow counties

;Eastern Plains

Schools located in the Pitt, Edgecomb, Greene, and Craven counties

;Foothills

Schools located in Surry and Wilkes counties

{{col-2}}

;Mid-State

Schools located in Stokes and Rockingham counties

;Mountain Foothills 7

Schools located in the southwestern corner of the state

;Neuse 6

Schools in Johnston, Wilson, and Wayne counties

;Southeastern Athletic

Schools located in Sampson, Robeson, and Bladen counties

{{col-end}}

=1A–2A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Catawba Shores Athletic

Schools located in Davidson, Lincoln, Iredell, and Mecklenburg counties

  • Community School of Davidson (2A), "Spartans"
  • Lincoln Charter School (2A), "Eagles"
  • Pine Lake Preparatory (2A), "Pride"
  • Bradford Prep High School (1A), "Bears"
  • Corvian Community School (1A), "Cardinals"
  • Christ The King Catholic High School (1A), "Crusaders"
  • Langtree Charter Academy (1A), "Lions"
  • Mountain Island Charter School (1A), "Raptors"

;Coastal Plains

Schools located along North Carolina's central coast

  • East Carteret High School (2A), "Mariners"
  • Jones Senior High School (1A), "Trojans"
  • Northside High School (Pinetown) (1A), "Panthers"
  • Lejeune High School (1A), "Devilpups"
  • Pamlico County High School (1A), "Hurricanes"
  • Southside High School (1A), "Seahawks"

;Central Carolina

Schools located along the I-85 corridor

;Mid-Carolina

Schools located in Alamance, Chatham, and Moore counties

;Piedmont Athletic

Schools located in Randolph County

{{col-2}}

;Southern Piedmont

Schools located in Cleveland and Gaston counties

;Super Six

Schools located in the Triangle region

;Waccamaw

Schools located in the southeastern portion of the state

;Western Highlands

Schools located in the western North Carolina mountains

;Yadkin Valley

Schools located along the Yadkin River in the northwest

{{col-end}}

=1A=

{{col begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Atlantic 5

Schools located in the Outer Banks region

  • Bear Grass Charter School, "Bears"
  • Cape Hatteras Secondary School, "Hurricanes"
  • Columbia High School, "Wildcats"
  • Mattamuskeet High School, "Lakers"
  • Ocracoke High School, "Dolphins"

;Carolina

Schools located in the east central part of the state

;Central Tar Heel

Schools located in the southern Triangle region

;Four Rivers

Schools located in northeastern North Carolina

;Metro 8

Schools located in the Metrolina region

  • Apprentice Academy, "Wolfpack"
  • Cabarrus Charter Academy, "Huskies"
  • Carolina International School, "Comets"
  • Piedmont Communuity Charter School, "Patriots"
  • Queen's Grant High School, "Stallions"
  • Sugar Creek Charter School, "Wildcats"

;Northwest

Schools located in the northwestern corner of the state

{{col-2}}

;Northwest Piedmont

Schools located in the Triad region

;Tar Roanoke

Schools along the Tar and Roanoke rivers

;Triangle North

Schools located in the northern Triangle region

  • Eno River Academy, "Bobcats"
  • Henderson Collegiate School, "Lions"
  • Oxford Preparatory School, "Griffins"
  • Roxboro Community School, "Bulldogs"
  • Vance Charter School, "Knights"
  • Voyager Academy, "Vikings"

;Smoky Mountain

Schools located in and around the Smoky Mountains

;Independent

{{col-end}}

Awards

=Commissioner’s Cup=

Awarded to NCHSAA teams and athletic programs that highlight community service. Teams identify a community need, host a service project, and host a service project to meet that need.[https://www.nchsaa.org/students-parents/nchsaa-commissioners-cup#:~:text=Two%20teams%20or%20schools%20from,earmarked%20for%20that%20sports%20team. Commissioner's Cup]. NCHSAA. Retrieved February 22, 2022.

=NCHSAA Athlete of the Year=

The NCHSAA Athlete of the Year Award is awarded annually to a nominated male and female high school athlete in North Carolina, who have demonstrated success in multiple different sports. Winners of this award earn the Pat Best Memorial Trophy, named after the late Pat Best, who was a former principal at Goldsboro High School and president of the NCHSAA at the time of his death in 1988.{{cite web|title=NCHSAA Athletes Of The Year|date=13 December 2013|url=http://www.nchsaa.org/pages/14//#.UMpHlYZX8oM|publisher=NCHSAA|access-date=16 February 2022}}

=Hall of Fame=

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for high school athletics in North Carolina. It is administered by the NCHSAA and includes athletes, coaches, officials, broadcasters and others who have supported high school athletics in the state. The hall was created in 1987 with Bob Jamieson of Greensboro, Leon Brogden of Wilmington, and Dave Harris of Charlotte as charter members.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nchsaa.org/nchsaa-hall-fame-inductees-listed-alphabetically|title = User account}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

  • {{Official website|http://www.nchsaa.org}}
  • http://www.nchsbeach.org/

{{NFHS}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:High school sports associations in the United States

Category:Sports organizations established in 1912

Category:1912 establishments in North Carolina

Category:Sports in North Carolina