In a landmark decision, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has approved a new rule that will alter athletic classifications across the state. Beginning with the 2026–28 cycle, private schools participating in CHSAA sports will have their three-year average student enrollment multiplied by 1.5 if they meet specific criteria. Making schools with 800 students now be classified as 1,200. Student body size is used to level the playing field, allowing schools to compete with schools that are of similar size. Putting a multiplier on them simply makes no sense, especially for private schools that don’t recruit.
This adjustment, known as ADM-3, targets schools designated as “non-public” by the Colorado Department of Education and those with tuition-based enrollment models. The multiplier aims to address perceived competitive advantages stemming from selective admissions and controlled enrollment, even though schools that don’t partake in it will be affected.
Notably, programs at qualifying schools may be exempt from the multiplier if they did not win a postseason contest during the previous cycle. The rule passed with strong support, receiving 52 votes in favor and 22 against.
While some private institutions, like Holy Family High School, voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over fairness and transparency, CHSAA maintains the change will promote equity and standardize classification metrics.
As Colorado prepares for the next classification cycle, this decision signals a shift toward balancing competition and redefining how success and enrollment intersect in high school sports. However, a deeper dive should be taken in applying it to schools that actually are unfair in their admissions.
