NYSPHSAA Guiding Principles for Regional Rotations
(revised 12/20/2023)

In the 2023-24 school year, an ad hoc committee was established to examine the process of creating and implementing regional rotations. The committee, which consisted of representation from each of the 11 sections, set the following guiding principles:

  • No section will play in a sub-regional classification for more than two consecutive years.
  • If there is a bye for sub-regionals, the “bye” will always host the regional game.
  • One section will not host more than 75% of regional games in a given year in a sport.
  • At-Large teams will have no travel restrictions.
  • The term of rotations should reflect equity for all sections; with a minimum of at least 6 years.
  • Mid-week travel should be limited/minimized.
  • Contiguous sectional competition should be considered.
  • The number of participating teams in each region should be considered.
  • If any of the above guiding principles cannot be met, the sport committee must provide rationale as to why.

Process:
1) NYSPHSAA Sport Committee meets to develop regional rotation using established guiding principles.
2) NYSPHSAA Staff examines regional rotation for equity and fairness.
3) NYSPHSAA Championship Advisory Committee examines regional rotation and makes recommendations to NYSPHSAA Executive Committee.
4) NYSPHSAA Executive Committee examines regional rotation and provides approval or denial.

Note:
The current NYSPHSAA Championship Philosophy states: 
“NYSPHSAA will sponsor Championships that represent excellence achieved in each sport. In the interest of equitable competition, minimal loss of academic time, financial impact and logistical concerns including, but not limited to, travel, lodging, meals and facilities for competition, the NYSPHSAA will sponsor one championship experience in a sport when six or more of its sections having four or more of their member teams each sponsor that sport. Championships will be conducted according to established guidelines. All sports will be recognized by the NYSPHSAA as either a team sport or an individual sport, or a combination team/individual sport. Variations will be permitted in the NYSPHSAA classification system.”