SDHSAA to study success factor in high school sports

One of the new goals for the South Dakota High School Activities Association is studying whether a success factor should be used when classifying sports teams.  

SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos said currently schools are classified by enrollment. Using a success factor would call for moving teams to a higher classification depending on how they do in state tournaments. He said the method is used in other states.  

Some of the other goals that the SDHSAA board discussed during its annual strategic planning session on July 31 will be continued from the past year.  

One continuing goal will be an economic impact study designed, according to Swartos, to offer information to chambers of commerce about the benefits of hosting state tournaments. He said this could result in some savings for schools on hotel lodging. 

SDHSAA will also continue its sportsmanship initiative concerning the conduct of fans, coaches and student-athletes. In the past year the association has sought to highlight school sportsmanship initiatives and worked with student councils on how to address the issue.