Dear Heads of School, Athletic Directors, and Administrators,
We know many of you have questions following this week’s AISA vote, and we want to provide clear, accurate information directly from GSIAA regarding what happened and what comes next.
What was voted on
This week, the AISA voted to dissolve its athletic arm. That dissolution will take effect following the conclusion of the current athletic calendar 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.
What happens next:
The Gulf States Independent Athletic Association (GSIAA) plans to begin competition in Fall 2027 with Varsity Cheer Camp, Volleyball, and Football.
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.
GSIAA is not a rebranding of the AISA, nor is it intended to replicate the AHSAA. It is a new, nonprofit athletic association being built specifically around the needs of its member schools.
Where things stand with GSIAA:
The founding board is already in place and has begun its work. Current priorities include:
- Finalizing the bylaws and athletic handbook
- Finalizing membership requirements and procedures
- Finalizing eligibility and competition policies
- Establishing championship procedures
- Finalizing membership dues and other financial details
- Completing the process for naming an Executive Director
- Finalizing the 2027-2028 GSIAA Athletic Calendar
The Executive Director will be announced soon.
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.
Governance and member voice
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.
Membership
Membership will open 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.
Financial partnerships and sponsorships
GSIAA is also working to establish strong association-level sponsorships and partnerships that can support the long-term financial health of the organization 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.
Staying informed
Additional information will be released as the bylaws and handbook are finalized, the Executive Director is announced, the website goes live, and membership materials become available.
Website: gsiaa.org
Facebook: Follow us on Facebook @gsiaa
Instagram: Follow us on Instagram @gsiaa
X: Follow us on X @gsiaa
Direct questions may be sent to:
Glynn Lott
Founding Board Chair
glott@gsiaa.org
334-399-8305
For now, there is no action required from your school. We simply encourage you to stay informed as additional details are released. Membership applications will become available beginning November 1.
We recognize that joining a new athletic association is an important decision for every school. Our commitment is to provide you with the information, structure, and transparency necessary to evaluate GSIAA carefully and determine whether it is the right fit for your school and your student-athletes.
Thank you for your patience as this work continues. We are excited about the opportunity to build a strong, school-centered athletic association for schools across Alabama and, potentially, surrounding states.
Sincerely,
Glynn Lott
Founding Board Chair
Gulf States Independent Athletic Association