School Districts Attempt To Solve Football Scheduling Problem

BROOKLYN CENTER (AP) — The Minnesota State High School League has a plan to solve scheduling problems plaguing many of the state's 371 football teams for the past decade.

Board of directors' approval was unanimous Monday for implementing in 2015 a system with 18 districts to create game schedules, instead of typical conferences. The majority of schools were put in districts with most if not all of their current conference foes.

Driven by enrollment shifts and competitive imbalance that increased scheduling challenges and complaints, the MSHSL formed districts ranging from 12 to 28 teams based on school location, size, likeness and rivalry preferences. Sub-districts will form soon to finalize schedules. A limited amount of inter-district games can be approved.

The MSHSL said more than 90 percent of teams had their requests met.