WEST BEND – The WIAA has released their new district proposal for football. The realignment was drafted with the intention of schools playing other schools of similar size.

One major concern involves increased travel.

The WIAA and the UW-Stevens Point math department are currently reviewing new district boundaries. Analysis should be finished in December.

The WIAA and Preps On The Net are looking for feedback. E-mail your thoughts and comments to judy@prepsonthenet.com

Details on the WIAA’s district football plan and the suggested alignments are below.

WIAA DISTRICT FOOTBALL PLAN

Revised November 6, 2009

Fifty-four schools were impacted as a result of the 2009 enrollment reports.

As we tried to convey at the Area Meetings this fall, this is a very fluid plan that will result in changes every two years based on changing enrollments at our member schools.

This is a perfect example of how many changes can occur in just a one year period. It is essential that your review of this plan take that fact into account.

Most of those expressing concern with this plan are currently in 8-team or 10-team conferences whereby scheduling difficulties are minimal and travel is quite reasonable.

Many, many other schools are in less favorable scenarios. We would ask those who currently are in these 8- and 10-team conferences to consider the impact that realignment could ultimately have on them.

Realignment is driven by football and the desire of schools to play other schools of a similar size.

We understand the concerns of increased travel that this football district plan creates in a few areas of our state.

Unless a plan for wide-spread relief is implemented, realignment could occur whereby all your sports would be affected by increased travel. Please keep that in mind as you weigh the pros and cons of this district football plan.

The same can be said of the concerns being expressed about losing traditional rivals. Conference realignment can create a similar scenario.

We are in the process of having the UWSP Math Department analyze the district circles to determine if mileage can be reduced for any member schools by redrawing the circles.

We hope to have that analysis completed by mid December. Between now and then we are seeking feedback from member schools on this revised plan.

Please direct your feedback to either Wade or myself. We would encourage you to document your support or concerns in writing via standard letter or email. This feedback along with the UWSP analysis will guide us as we attempt to finalize this plan. Here is our projected timeline:

November 6 - Revised Football Plan released to Member Schools, Football Coaches Leadership, CESA Leaders, Board of Control, Conference Commissioners, etc.

December 4 - Board of Control review of revised plan based on 2009 third Friday enrollment counts

December 8 - Football Coaches Advisory Committee Meeting - review the plan and proposed district by-laws - take action on plan Mid December - repost the Divisions based on review of UWSP Math Department

January 11 - Sports Advisory Committee - take action on district football plan

January 26 - Advisory Council Meeting - take action on district football plan

Prior to Board of Control Meeting - receive from UWSP Math Department District schedules

January 27 - Board of Control Meeting - take final action on district football plan

February 1 - Distribute 2010 District Football Schedules to Member Schools

DIVISIONS BY ENROLLMENT & PROXIMITY

Division 6 Districts

Division 7 Districts