As questions are asked, we are working to provide a list of those along with the most accurate answer. We believe in being open and forthcoming with all member schools about everything related to the GSIAA. This section will be updated frequently!
General Questions
When will AISA athletics end?
AISA athletics continues normally through the 2026-2027 school year, with dissolution taking effect after the athletic calendar ends in spring 2027.
Until that time, the AISA will continue to operate normally. Nothing changes for your school’s current athletic seasons, schedules, championships, or participation during the 2026–2027 school year.
WHEN DOES GSIAA PLAN TO BEGIN COMPETING?
GSIAA plans to begin competition in Fall 2027 for Varsity Cheer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football. Other sports to be announced soon.
Our goal in forming the GSIAA was not simply to replace what has existed, but to build a new, school-led athletic association focused on fair competition, strong governance, transparency, responsiveness to member schools, and a positive experience for student-athletes.
IS GSIAA JUST A REBRAND OF REPLICA of other associations?
GSIAA is a new nonprofit, school-led association, not a rebrand or replica of any athletic association in Alabama.
What are the classifications and regions?
We have also spent considerable time studying classification and regional alignment possibilities. Final classifications and regions for the 2027–2028 school year cannot be determined until membership applications are received and the full membership picture is known.
We understand that schools will naturally have questions about classification, regions, eligibility, scheduling, dues, governance, and other operational matters. Those details are being finalized now and will be provided as they become available.
WHY Join the GSIAA?
One of the foundational principles of GSIAA is that member schools should have a meaningful voice in the direction of the association.
The governance structure has been designed so that each member has equal representation and an equal voice in association matters, regardless of school size. Specific details regarding voting, governance, board structure, and the amendment process will be included in the final bylaws.
Our intent is for schools to shape the future of their association and for the association to run the day-to-day operations. The schools will play a meaningful role in decisions regarding the direction of this association and will clearly understand how decisions are made.
How Can My Business be involved?
GSIAA is also working to establish strong association-level sponsorships and partnerships to support the organization’s long-term financial health and benefit member schools.
If your school has existing relationships or connections that may be a good fit for an association-level partnership, we would welcome those introductions.
The bylaws will also address how surplus association revenues may be distributed or reinvested for the benefit of member schools. Additional details will be shared as the financial structure is finalized.
Membership & Joining
Who can join GSIAA?
Any accredited school — public, private, charter, independent, etc. — can join on the same terms. We recognize schools accredited through any national or regional accreditor. Programs that aren’t accredited schools, like homeschool programs, can join as Affiliates. The only requirement is that you’re accredited and committed to our bylaws, handbook, and commercial partnerships, which are designed to return funds to member schools.
What does “independent” mean?
“Independent” describes GSIAA, not its member schools. GSIAA is independent of government — no state extra benefits, no state control, and no government seat on our Board. This independence matters: a truly private association cannot be sued like a government agency over eligibility rulings. Public schools, private schools, and everyone in between compete on the same level.
When does membership open?
Membership will open on November 1.
At that time, schools will have access to the finalized bylaws, handbook, membership requirements, application materials, dues information, and other documents needed to make an informed decision about participation.
Membership will be open to any interested school that meets GSIAA membership requirements, regardless of their current athletic affiliation.
Schools will have an opportunity to review these materials before making a membership commitment. Additional information regarding application deadlines and the timeline for finalizing classifications and regions will also be provided.
The application period runs through specific dates set in the Master Calendar. Schools approved by the Board begin play on the date agreed at approval, normally the next school year. Once you’re approved, you vote immediately and receive your first distribution at the end of the fiscal year.
What are the membership types?
Full members have 4 or more varsity sports. They vote, sit on the Board, compete for championships, and receive an equal share of surplus revenue
plus an enrollment-based share.
Associate members have fewer than 4 varsity sports but are accredited schools. They vote and share surplus like Full members, but don’t serve on the Board.
Affiliates are programs that aren’t accredited schools. They play regular-season games and follow all eligibility rules, but don’t vote, don’t compete for championships (at this time), and don’t share surplus.
Which states can schools join from?
GSIAA is open to any accredited school regardless of state. We’ve designed our transfers and eligibility rules to work smoothly whether a student comes from your state or across the country
Can a junior high join?
Junior high is not a separate membership category. A junior high would apply as a Full, Associate, or Affiliate member based on how many varsity sports it sponsors. The same eligibility rules apply to all grades we sponsor.
ELIGIBILITY & TRANSFERS
If my school is leaving AISA and joining GSIAA, can my current players transfer anywhere without sitting out?
No. AISA players at your school, when you join, are already GSIAA member-school students. If they move to another GSIAA school, they follow the same transfer rule as anyone else who transfers between member schools: one calendar-year sit-out unless a bona fide change of residence or another listed exception applies. There is no “portal” or free-transfer period for transitioning schools.
How does the member-to-member (GSIAA to GSIAA) transfer rule work?
A student moving between two GSIAA member schools must sit out one calendar year before playing varsity, unless a listed exception applies. The main exceptions are a bona fide change of residence at least 49.5 miles away, a school closure, military reassignment, a documented medical hardship, or another exception the Executive Director approves in writing. After the calendar year ends, the student is eligible for varsity. If the transfer happens after a sport’s first game date, the student plays sub-varsity only in that sport until the next season, even after the calendar year ends.
What happens if a student transfers from outside GSIAA — from a public school, another association, or a private school from another association?
The student is eligible to play immediately once the school files proof of the transfer. No sit-out applies. If the school is also leaving another association, the student is treated as an outside transfer to GSIAA — eligible right away under the proof-of-transfer rule.
What about mid-season transfers?
Any student who transfers after a sport’s first game date plays only sub-varsity (if they are eligible for sub-varsity) for the rest of that season, regardless of where they come from. This rule applies equally to outside transfers and member-to-member transfers.
Can a 7th or 8th grader play varsity?
Yes. A student in grades 9 or below can play on a varsity team if the school allows it. Playing up does not count as using a high school season. A 7th grader can play varsity and still have all four high school seasons (9–12) ahead.
What about international students?
An international student is eligible if they meet all other rules. They need a student visa, proof of legal residence, and enrollment in the school just like any other student. The school is responsible for gathering and maintaining eligibility like any other student.
What are the rules on recruiting of a member school student, and who gets punished?
GSIAA prohibits recruiting a member school student—offering money, benefits, inducements, or arrangements to move to another GSIAA school, or helping someone do so. A recruited student keeps eligibility unless they knowingly lied or knowingly accepted an inducement after being warned. The school that recruits faces fines, forfeited games, or suspension. Self-reporting lowers the penalty.
CLASSIFICATION & COMPETITION
How does GSIAA set competitive classes?
GSIAA classifies schools by enrollment only. No multipliers, no success factors, no split by school type (public, private, charter, religious). Enrollment is counted the same way every year and is set by state enrollment reports or, for schools outside traditional reporting, enrollment certified by the head of school. Classes are adjusted each school year based on the enrollment count as of a fixed date.
What sports will GSIAA sponsor, and when does that start?
GSIAA launches in Fall 2027: football, basketball, volleyball, cross country, and soccer. All-star games begin in the first season (Fall 2027) to showcase talent across the member schools.
Can schools play on Sunday?
No. GSIAA does not play games on Sunday, with two exceptions. The only exceptions are a postseason game delayed by weather to Sunday, or a game the Executive Director approves in writing out of necessity. This rule protects the free time families and athletes value.
GOVERNANCE
Who decides how GSIAA runs?
The member schools do. One school, one vote, regardless of size. The Board and Executive Director runs the day-to-day work between votes. The Executive Director runs the office. Decisions about eligibility, recruiting, NIL, classification, voting rights, the Board structure, the surplus formula, and our commercial commitments belong to the member schools alone — the Board cannot change these without a member vote.
How is the Board chosen?
The Board is made up of representatives chosen by and from the member schools. During the founding period (through the 2027–28 school year), the Founding Board governs and makes key decisions about structure and policy. After the founding period, the Board is elected by the membership, and the Executive Director is confirmed by the elected Board.
Who runs GSIAA right now?
The Founding Board and Executive Director run GSIAA during the startup and founding period. The Founding Board sets the tone and makes foundational decisions on behalf of the member schools. After 2027–28, governance transitions to an elected Board structure. Gylnn Lott has been named the first GSIAA Executive Director.
What happens if there’s a dispute about a rule or an athlete’s eligibility?
The Executive Director rules on interpretations and eligibility questions in writing. If a school disagrees, it can appeal to a committee, then to the Board, then to arbitration. A school that follows a written interpretation from the Executive Director in good faith is not penalized if the interpretation later changes.
How do we change a rule?
File a proposal by the Master Calendar deadline. It’s discussed at the annual meeting. Then the membership votes on a ballot. A proposal passes with two-thirds support and takes effect at the start of the next school year.
How does GSIAA protect smaller schools?
GSIAA’s classification by enrollment only — no success multipliers — means small schools compete against schools their size. Smaller schools also have a say in how surplus is divided between classes: the member schools vote on the surplus formula, so if small schools want more of the distribution directed their way, they can vote for that change. And in appeals, smaller schools and larger schools have the same voice.
Is GSIAA a nonprofit?
Yes. GSIAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every dollar of revenue is committed to operating the association and returning surplus to member schools. No one gets a profit.
MONEY & SURPLUS DISTRIBUTION
How does GSIAA plan to grow revenue?
GSIAA’s revenue comes from five sources. Member dues fund operations. Event revenue — ticket sales at games, gate money from tournaments — is shared with schools. Corporate partnerships and licensing deals bring in major sponsorship money. Streaming and media rights generate revenue when the platform launches. And a custom all-star game and events drive additional income. Our focus is on corporate partnerships because they scale: a single nationwide or statewide sponsor can replace dozens of local fundraisers and put more money back in schools’ hands without extra work. Our model is to find and think of new ways to generate revenue that benefit the member schools directly.
How does the surplus get divided?
Surplus — everything left after operations and a reserve — is divided two ways: 50% in equal shares to all member schools, and 50% by enrollment (schools with larger enrollments get a larger share). Shares are calculated and paid each fall, and the school-by-school calculation is published so every school knows exactly what it receives. A school with 400 students might receive $1,250 from the equal share plus $1,000 from the enrollment share, for a total of $2,250. A larger school receives more from the enrollment share. No two schools get the exact same amount unless they have the same enrollment.
Does winning a championship or making playoffs earn extra money?
No. Competitive success does not change a school’s surplus share. Every school shares equally (half) and by enrollment (half), regardless of wins and losses.
How is playoff ticket money split?
Playoff games are a revenue source. Playoff revenue is divided in four steps: hosting school retains a share to cover costs, GSIAA retains a share for operations and events, the participating schools share a portion, and the remaining amount goes into the surplus pool distributed to all members. This structure rewards playoff participation while keeping the overall surplus formula simple and equal.
TECHNOLOGY
How does ticket sales work?
GSIAA requires all members to sell tickets through the GSIAA digital ticketing platform. This centralizes gate revenue, makes it easy for visiting schools and families to buy tickets online, and generates data about attendance and revenue. The platform handles sales, reporting, and payment processing, so schools don’t have to. GSIAA will arrange group pricing with vendors to lower the cost of ticketing for schools. This is another revenue generator for both member shcools and the association.
What’s the AI game-film camera?
GSIAA requires an approved AI-enabled game camera at each playing surface by your first season. This camera records games and can auto-generate highlight clips, play-by-play stats, and video for film study and recruiting. It’s a tool every school would want anyway — GSIAA ensures every member has access to the same technology. GSIAA may arrange group or sponsored pricing to lower costs.
Will GSIAA stream games?
Yes. Once GSIAA’s streaming service launches, member schools will be able to stream home games and generate additional revenue from games. The service will make every game available to families, fans, and scouts. Training and program developlemnt will be provided to each member school to get its streaming service up and running.
Is there an app or platform for scores and stats?
GSIAA is exploring automation for scores, stats, standings, and schedules — similar to MaxPreps or other automated platforms. This is under development, and details will be announced as the platform is finalized. The goal is to eliminate manual entry and keep all games, stats, and standings in one place.
Are there other technology requirements or options?
Schools must use the GSIAA platform and any associated app for every filing — eligibility forms, reports, insurance papers, schedules, and compliance documents. GSIAA may provide group pricing for other approved technology partners. However, the goal is for automation at both the school level and association level.
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