Playoff Qualification Questions-Clarifications

[hailvictors2]

This season is unlike any other in that there have been, and will continue to be, multiple cancellations each week. Unlike previous years, these games are counting as "no contest" as opposed to forfeits. In previous years it was a forfeit because typically a team didn't have the necessary number of able bodies. A few questions that I have that I am hoping someone can clear up for me.

1- Did the NSAA ever release an addendum to the 2020 Football Manual found here? On page 34 of the manual (35 of the PDF) it says the following... "In order to be considered as a “wild card” qualifier, a school must play a minimum of eight (A, B, C1, C2) regular-season games or seven (D1, D2, D6) regular season games. (An exception may be made by the NSAA for schools that are not provided a full schedule of games.)". Surely a COVID cancellation would fall under the exception that can be made by the NSAA...but what if a school only played 4 or 5 games that count? Are they going to qualify? Boone Central is an example in C1. Right now they are 2-1 and have had 2 COVID cancellations. What if 1 or 2 more of their opponents in the final 4 games have COVID related issues and they aren't able to play Boone. There is a chance they go 3-2 or 3-3. Are they still eligible for the playoffs? No fault of Boone Central's at all, but if they go 3-2 or 3-3 I would have a hard time accepting them as a playoff team over a team that went 5-4 or 6-3.

2- What happens when the playoff field is set and a team can't play due to COVID. The NSAA has already come out and said that COVID related cancellations are a no contest, not a forfeit. You can't hold up the entire playoff process waiting for a team to come out of quarantine, but based on precedent set during the regular season you can't make the team forfeit their playoff game either. What happens now? I'm assuming once the playoffs start if a team has COVID related issues they will be out, but I haven't seen anything in writing. Anyone know where I could find something on paper?

3- What if a team goes into quarantine at the end of the regular season and we know that they can't play in the playoffs. Maybe they were the 11th in power points. Is the NSAA going to write them into the bracket, knowing they can't play? I haven't seen any information on this either.

4- Class D1-D2-D6 use the 3 tier wildcard point system found on page 36 of the football manual (37 of the PDF). Class A-B-C1-C2 use the 4 tier system. The three tier system is based on an 8 game regular season. The 4 tier system is based on a 9 game regular season. If a team in class A-B-C1-C2 has cancellations do they stay on the 4 tier system, or because they didn't play 9 games do they move to the 3 tier system? I am assuming it stays as is because there have been teams in previous seasons that only had an 8 game schedule but were still scored on the 4 tier system, but hoping for some clarification if anyone knows for certain.

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

This season is unlike any other in that there have been, and will continue to be, multiple cancellations each week. Unlike previous years, these games are counting as "no contest" as opposed to forfeits. In previous years it was a forfeit because typically a team didn't have the necessary number of able bodies. A few questions that I have that I am hoping someone can clear up for me.

1- Did the NSAA ever release an addendum to the 2020 Football Manual found here? On page 34 of the manual (35 of the PDF) it says the following... "In order to be considered as a “wild card” qualifier, a school must play a minimum of eight (A, B, C1, C2) regular-season games or seven (D1, D2, D6) regular season games. (An exception may be made by the NSAA for schools that are not provided a full schedule of games.)". Surely a COVID cancellation would fall under the exception that can be made by the NSAA...but what if a school only played 4 or 5 games that count? Are they going to qualify? Boone Central is an example in C1. Right now they are 2-1 and have had 2 COVID cancellations. What if 1 or 2 more of their opponents in the final 4 games have COVID related issues and they aren't able to play Boone. There is a chance they go 3-2 or 3-3. Are they still eligible for the playoffs? No fault of Boone Central's at all, but if they go 3-2 or 3-3 I would have a hard time accepting them as a playoff team over a team that went 5-4 or 6-3.

2- What happens when the playoff field is set and a team can't play due to COVID. The NSAA has already come out and said that COVID related cancellations are a no contest, not a forfeit. You can't hold up the entire playoff process waiting for a team to come out of quarantine, but based on precedent set during the regular season you can't make the team forfeit their playoff game either. What happens now? I'm assuming once the playoffs start if a team has COVID related issues they will be out, but I haven't seen anything in writing. Anyone know where I could find something on paper?

3- What if a team goes into quarantine at the end of the regular season and we know that they can't play in the playoffs. Maybe they were the 11th in power points. Is the NSAA going to write them into the bracket, knowing they can't play? I haven't seen any information on this either.

4- Class D1-D2-D6 use the 3 tier wildcard point system found on page 36 of the football manual (37 of the PDF). Class A-B-C1-C2 use the 4 tier system. The three tier system is based on an 8 game regular season. The 4 tier system is based on a 9 game regular season. If a team in class A-B-C1-C2 has cancellations do they stay on the 4 tier system, or because they didn't play 9 games do they move to the 3 tier system? I am assuming it stays as is because there have been teams in previous seasons that only had an 8 game schedule but were still scored on the 4 tier system, but hoping for some clarification if anyone knows for certain.

You are very correct in saying the wildcard system is compromised if teams do not reach the 9 games, because points and percentages are based on that full schedule This why the extended class A to all teams in, I do not know the plan for lower levels

 

[Dawills12]

You are very correct in saying the wildcard system is compromised if teams do not reach the 9 games, because points and percentages are based on that full schedule This why the extended class A to all teams in, I do not know the plan for lower levels

That was my point a few weeks ago....why did the NSAA only come up with a plan for A? Obviously, there is going to be a problem in every class with cancellations and power points.

 

[PowerTfootball]

Expand it back to 32 schools for a year and cut off regular season week 9. Doing that, would absolutely need to be announced no later than next week.

I was led to believe the plan was to potentially do that for all classes and then a few days later it came out to only be that Class A had the adjustment.

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

That was my point a few weeks ago....why did the NSAA only come up with a plan for A? Obviously, there is going to be a problem in every class with cancellations and power points.

Things are ever changing and I believe adjustments will be made if necessary but no matter what they do, there is no way this wont negatively effect someone

 

[123GRC321]

Given all the COVID cancellations I don’t envision a way to even complete a post season.

 

[PowerTfootball]

I don’t think the nsaa is gunna forfeit what money they would make even if there are cancellations.

Given that they allowed a season and gave the schools the option to decide individually on when they play or not

 

[Alum-Ni]

If a school has COVID issue(s) during the postseason, they must forfeit or withdraw from competition. District and state postseason contests will not be postponed or rescheduled.

Link: https://nsaahome.org/nsaa-fall-postseason-information/

NSAA Fall Postseason Information

As the fall regular season draws to a close, the NSAA calls upon member schools to host sub-districts, districts, and playoffs for the NSAA. In most activities, the team with the highest seed earns the right to host these events. In other activities, member schools volunteer to host.

The NSAA is implementing the following requirements for host schools of all NSAA fall sub-district, district, and playoff contests:

- Participants are permitted to wear face coverings during competition, but not required.​

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- Coaches and non-active participants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.​

​

- Spectators are required to wear face coverings at all times while attending indoor events​

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- Spectators are required to wear face coverings at all times while attending outdoor events when physical distancing (6 feet) is not possible​

​

- The host school may establish additional requirements in consultation with local health departments. Any additional requirements, implemented by the host school must be the same for all teams, officials and spectators.​

​

All participating schools and spectators are expected to adhere to these requirements.

In addition, to advance in the fall postseason a team/individual must participate in their state qualifying contest(s). If an NSAA member school is unable to participate due to COVID-19, sub-district, district final and state championships contests will not be postponed or canceled.

The NSAA has great appreciation for its member schools and their tireless efforts to provide opportunities for learning and participation in NSAA activities. Communication, flexibility, and patience will be key in supporting our high school student participants as they pursue an NSAA State Championship this fall.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

 

[Llama57]

This season is unlike any other in that there have been, and will continue to be, multiple cancellations each week. Unlike previous years, these games are counting as "no contest" as opposed to forfeits. In previous years it was a forfeit because typically a team didn't have the necessary number of able bodies. A few questions that I have that I am hoping someone can clear up for me.

1- Did the NSAA ever release an addendum to the 2020 Football Manual found here? On page 34 of the manual (35 of the PDF) it says the following... "In order to be considered as a “wild card” qualifier, a school must play a minimum of eight (A, B, C1, C2) regular-season games or seven (D1, D2, D6) regular season games. (An exception may be made by the NSAA for schools that are not provided a full schedule of games.)". Surely a COVID cancellation would fall under the exception that can be made by the NSAA...but what if a school only played 4 or 5 games that count? Are they going to qualify? Boone Central is an example in C1. Right now they are 2-1 and have had 2 COVID cancellations. What if 1 or 2 more of their opponents in the final 4 games have COVID related issues and they aren't able to play Boone. There is a chance they go 3-2 or 3-3. Are they still eligible for the playoffs? No fault of Boone Central's at all, but if they go 3-2 or 3-3 I would have a hard time accepting them as a playoff team over a team that went 5-4 or 6-3.

2- What happens when the playoff field is set and a team can't play due to COVID. The NSAA has already come out and said that COVID related cancellations are a no contest, not a forfeit. You can't hold up the entire playoff process waiting for a team to come out of quarantine, but based on precedent set during the regular season you can't make the team forfeit their playoff game either. What happens now? I'm assuming once the playoffs start if a team has COVID related issues they will be out, but I haven't seen anything in writing. Anyone know where I could find something on paper?

3- What if a team goes into quarantine at the end of the regular season and we know that they can't play in the playoffs. Maybe they were the 11th in power points. Is the NSAA going to write them into the bracket, knowing they can't play? I haven't seen any information on this either.

4- Class D1-D2-D6 use the 3 tier wildcard point system found on page 36 of the football manual (37 of the PDF). Class A-B-C1-C2 use the 4 tier system. The three tier system is based on an 8 game regular season. The 4 tier system is based on a 9 game regular season. If a team in class A-B-C1-C2 has cancellations do they stay on the 4 tier system, or because they didn't play 9 games do they move to the 3 tier system? I am assuming it stays as is because there have been teams in previous seasons that only had an 8 game schedule but were still scored on the 4 tier system, but hoping for some clarification if anyone knows for certain.

This was released by NSAA today. I'd guess the team is done if they can't play.

In addition, to advance in the fall postseason a team/individual must participate in their state qualifying contest(s). If an NSAA member school is unable to participate due to COVID-19, sub-district, district final and state championship contests will not be postponed or canceled.

 

[Llama57]

In every class, there's teams with 5 games, and some with 2-3. Even though those teams may have played games on their "off" weeks that don't count for power points or NSAA record. But Class A is the only one that needs to change the playoff selection/format for the year.....right

 

[TigerGuz]

i am going to guess that all classes will end up with a change. for example there are only 32 teams in class c2 so I am guessing all teams who want to participate will be allowed in the playoffs. maybe that means getting rid of week 9 games. maybe there is another way to schedule it. not sure about that part.

 

[PowerTfootball]

Well if there is a covid cancellation, with no possible make up date, what if the game was needed to determine the district champ. I mean technically you have to treat each district game as a 50/50.

You can't hold the assumption that one would win over the other. So I agree. I feel as if there will be some sort of announcement in the near future. It only makes sense.

 

[loveD2football]

Wont they just use the points no need to over complicate it. If you had covid games that dont count so be it. Yes it will hurt or help someone but move on.

 

[Dawills12]

I have visited with a coach who said the NSAA is not planning on making any changes at this time as they feel the integrity of the powerpoint structure is still in good enough shape that a change is not needed. He did say that the playoff discussion could be revisited if a bunch of schools start cancelling due to covid but that would have to happen soon for a change to take place in his opinion.

 

[GoSkers3]

It will be very interesting to see what NSAA decides for the other classes for postseason.

 

[Alum-Ni]

i am going to guess that all classes will end up with a change. for example there are only 32 teams in class c2 so I am guessing all teams who want to participate will be allowed in the playoffs. maybe that means getting rid of week 9 games. maybe there is another way to schedule it. not sure about that part.

I don't see C2 going to 32 for the postseason.

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

I don't see C2 going to 32 for the postseason.

If you listen to NSAA and why they did class A the way they did, I do not think they will change other classes unless they reach the number of games that class A lost and so far that has not happened, so it would have to really blowup to reach that number now. You have to remember class A lost 40+ games right off the bat

 

[GoSkers3]

If you listen to NSAA and why they did class A the way they did, I do not think they will change other classes unless they reach the number of games that class A lost and so far that has not happened, so it would have to really blowup to reach that number now. You have to remember class A lost 40+ games right off the bat

How many games has class A lost after the games started being played? They have not lost more than any other class. NSAA had their chance to reschedule and put teams in different districts and chose not too. I'm not disagreeing with you and your statement about what NSAA said - I just think it's totally wrong to change only class A postseason and no other class. Cancellations and postponements have happened in every class and will for sure affect every class and their postseason. Sorry for the rant - just my opinion.

 

[runningback43]

I don't see C2 going to 32 for the postseason.

Considering there are only 29 teams eligible for the playoffs in C2.

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

How many games has class A lost after the games started being played? They have not lost more than any other class. NSAA had their chance to reschedule and put teams in different districts and chose not too. I'm not disagreeing with you and your statement about what NSAA said - I just think it's totally wrong to change only class A postseason and no other class. Cancellations and postponements have happened in every class and will for sure affect every class and their postseason. Sorry for the rant - just my opinion.

I understand your point and agree

 

[liltoad_99]

Don't forget the number of Class A teams is limited to begin with due to OPS not playing. Those COVID games have an even bigger effect in that class. The other classes have less than 10% of games getting canceled each week.

 

[GoSkers3]

Don't forget the number of Class A teams is limited to begin with due to OPS not playing. Those COVID games have an even bigger effect in that class. The other classes have less than 10% of games getting canceled each week.

In my opinion - the canceled OPS games should not be counted towards games being canceled by COVID. NSAA had enough time to either allow the newly scheduled games to go towards power points, or reschedule all those games themselves by changing their district assignment.

 

[Llama57]

Don't forget the number of Class A teams is limited to begin with due to OPS not playing. Those COVID games have an even bigger effect in that class. The other classes have less than 10% of games getting canceled each week.

Class B has around 25 teams & C2 has around 32. Right now about 1/4 of B teams don't have a full slate of games included in power points, and about 1/3 of C2 teams are in the same boat.
But I'm assuming since they're smaller schools, they don't deserve the special circumstances like class A. What a joke.
Scottsbluff has played 5 games, but only 3 count. Sounds fair.

 

[TC53]

I'd point to a couple of things. Class A is in a different situation as many more games were canceled. Some are calling for a different solution: reschedule in the preseason. The NSAA didn't do it, but they did choose a different solution than the other classes: all in playoffs. They just didn't pick the 'different solution' that some wanted.

Second, the NSAA is the schools and the schools are the NSAA. If enough Bs, Cs, 8s, 6s were calling and saying this needs to be fixed, it would be getting fixed. I assume the situation is, enough schools are OK with the status quo, so they are keeping it. I'd wager that it is because enough Class A schools were calling and saying this is broken that Class A got fixed. Lobby schools in your class to make noise.

 

[liltoad_99]

I'd point to a couple of things. Class A is in a different situation as many more games were canceled. Some are calling for a different solution: reschedule in the preseason. The NSAA didn't do it, but they did choose a different solution than the other classes: all in playoffs. They just didn't pick the 'different solution' that some wanted.

Second, the NSAA is the schools and the schools are the NSAA. If enough Bs, Cs, 8s, 6s were calling and saying this needs to be fixed, it would be getting fixed. I assume the situation is, enough schools are OK with the status quo, so they are keeping it. I'd wager that it is because enough Class A schools were calling and saying this is broken that Class A got fixed. Lobby schools in your class to make noise.

Agreed and that was my point. The schools that have issues both with covid and having games canceled because opponents have it are in contact with the NSAA all the time. The other classes have not had to have a change made because district play hadn't started. The NSAA isn't treating Class A as more special than anyone else, they are simply trying to make it so everyone gets to play games and hopefully have a playoff format as close to normal as possible.

 

[liltoad_99]

Class B has around 25 teams & C2 has around 32. Right now about 1/4 of B teams don't have a full slate of games included in power points, and about 1/3 of C2 teams are in the same boat.
But I'm assuming since they're smaller schools, they don't deserve the special circumstances like class A. What a joke.
Scottsbluff has played 5 games, but only 3 count. Sounds fair.

Don't forget some of those schools without a full slate of games are choosing not to add a game to be able to play. Kearney Catholic for example was reached out to by Oakland-Craig a few weeks ago according to Twitter. KC must have chosen not to play a game and O-C found an Iowa school willing to play.

Props to Scottsbluff for going out and finding 2 games so their kids could have an opportunity to play. Those kids had a chance to put something on film if they want to be recruited. And the 2 games that were lost were because Colorado isn't playing, not because of anything the NSAA did or didn't do. They don't make schedules in the snap of a finger...

Bell West has played 3 games, 2 canceled by OPS not playing, 1 canceled due to covid, and 1 canceled due to the change the NSAA made to playoff formats. Does that bother them, I'm sure, but I bet Coach Huffman and his boys wont complain much, they'll show up and play football....any time, any place, against anyone...so long as they have the opportunity to play

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

I'd point to a couple of things. Class A is in a different situation as many more games were canceled. Some are calling for a different solution: reschedule in the preseason. The NSAA didn't do it, but they did choose a different solution than the other classes: all in playoffs. They just didn't pick the 'different solution' that some wanted.

Second, the NSAA is the schools and the schools are the NSAA. If enough Bs, Cs, 8s, 6s were calling and saying this needs to be fixed, it would be getting fixed. I assume the situation is, enough schools are OK with the status quo, so they are keeping it. I'd wager that it is because enough Class A schools were calling and saying this is broken that Class A got fixed. Lobby schools in your class to make noise.

This is correct if enough schools had a concern they would do that, but so far thats not the case

 

[Llama57]

I'd point to a couple of things. Class A is in a different situation as many more games were canceled. Some are calling for a different solution: reschedule in the preseason. The NSAA didn't do it, but they did choose a different solution than the other classes: all in playoffs. They just didn't pick the 'different solution' that some wanted.

Second, the NSAA is the schools and the schools are the NSAA. If enough Bs, Cs, 8s, 6s were calling and saying this needs to be fixed, it would be getting fixed. I assume the situation is, enough schools are OK with the status quo, so they are keeping it. I'd wager that it is because enough Class A schools were calling and saying this is broken that Class A got fixed. Lobby schools in your class to make noise.

So the schools voted for no reimbursements for postseason play & electronic tickets only?
Ultimately, the decision to let ALL games count, should have been made. It's not like it would have been that tough. If I remember, board decided to not let that happen. That was August 3rd. There was zero reason to not let them all count.