Playoff scheduling

[gebronco]

So in my 10 years of following Illinois HS football, I've yet to hear a compelling reason for making the higher seeded team go on the road - this writer shares those views. Has this been the case even when there were 6 classes? Any other views on making teams travel that achieved more regular season success?

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2015...o-host-football-playoff-games/a5u96x4/?page=2

From a revenue standpoint, is there any kind of split once the playoffs start? That seems reasonable.

 

[HHSTigerFan]

Doesn't Westinghouse being a 1 seed give enough reason why who hosts the game shouldn't be based on seeding?

 

[Bwm57]

I have thought for a while that most high seeds would probably benefit from going on the road for round #1 making it more likely they would have a home game in rounds 2 & 3 when the competition generally gets harder. Problem would be getting the school, maybe not the coaches, to give up the opening round home game.

 

[CCL65]

I think the current rule is designed more around the lower class downstate teams where three and four hour bus rides on game day are common for playoffs. They can't ask those lower seeds to do that every week. It's not like NFL where you jet in the night before. Up here in 7 and 8A, it's not as much an issue as the schools are much closer.

 

[rjjm218]

I have thought for a while that most high seeds would probably benefit from going on the road for round #1 making it more likely they would have a home game in rounds 2 & 3 when the competition generally gets harder. Problem would be getting the school, maybe not the coaches, to give up the opening round home game.

I've always thought they should just give the better seed the choice in Round 1 of playing on the road or at home and then use the current format in Round 2 and beyond. Wouldn't that be a little better than now?

 

[gebronco]

If it is designed to share the travel burden it makes a bit more sense, but yes i like that as an alternative. As a fan I enjoy travelling to watch games at other stadiums, seeing their traditions, sampling their wares at the concessions - but not sure the coaches share my enthusiasm if the alternative is more home games.

 

[Bowie50]

Cynical view on the IHSA: every kid should get a trophy and a slice of pizza. In other words, the IHSA wants to make it fair for everyone; ergo, the implementation of 2 additional classes.

 

[RetiredReferee]

I think the current rule is designed more around the lower class downstate teams where three and four hour bus rides on game day are common for playoffs. They can't ask those lower seeds to do that every week. It's not like NFL where you jet in the night before. Up here in 7 and 8A, it's not as much an issue as the schools are much closer.

This, and I'm sure an organization that supports student-athletes takes into account the time of school missed for Friday night games because of travel in the playoffs - hence, quads. Plus I imagine not just the ride, but the cost of the bus is a limiting factor. Not to mention making sure you get a home game means the chance for making some money from the concession stand, booster club stuff, 50/50 raffles and the like. Seems like this is the least of any problems perceived by some.

 

[Cpacmel11]

In other words, the IHSA wants to make it fair for everyone; ergo, the implementation of 2 additional classes.

Wait a second, a governing body that makes decisions based on fairness for everyone?

Isn't that what we should want out of the IHSA?