By Anthony Sarinana

Get ready for a major shift in high school sports playoffs in Southern California! The CIF Southern Section has approved a brand new playoff system that throws out the old rulebook and focuses on one key factor: how well teams are actually performing. This means that league affiliation will no longer be the sole determinant of playoff divisions, and instead, teams will be seeded based on their regular-season record, strength of schedule, and even past playoff performance.

This is a significant change from the traditional system, which often placed smaller schools in lower divisions regardless of their record, making it difficult for them to compete for championships. Proponents of the new system argue that it will create a more level playing field and give every team a fair shot at playoff glory, regardless of their league affiliation.

Here’s what you need to know about the new playoff system:

  • It will go into effect for the 2024-25 school year. So, buckle up, student athletes, because next year’s playoffs will be a whole new ball game!
  • Regular-season performance is king. Teams will be ranked based on their wins and losses, quality of opponents, and how they fared in the playoffs (if they made it).
  • Say goodbye to automatic playoff bids based on league. Just because your team is in a tough league doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. You’ll have to earn it on the field.
  • Get ready for some unexpected matchups. With teams being seeded based on performance, not league affiliation, we could see some exciting cross-league rivalries in the early rounds of the playoffs.

What do you think about the new playoff system? Some coaches and fans are excited about the change, believing it will create a more competitive and exciting postseason. Others are skeptical, worried that it could disadvantage smaller schools or lead to an endless cycle of rematches between the same top teams.

One thing’s for sure: the new playoff system is sure to shake things up in Southern Section sports.

Bonus talking points:

  • The new system also includes changes to the start date for cross country and the addition of championships for cheer and boys volleyball.
  • Some critics worry that the new system could be too complex or that it could punish teams for playing a tough schedule.
  • Overall, the new playoff system is a significant change that is sure to have a major impact on high school sports in Southern California. It will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming years.

I hope this blog post gives you a good overview of the new CIF Southern Section playoff system. Let me know in the comments what you think about the changes!