By Jeff Devine
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s (AHSAA) Central Board of Control (CBOC) met Wednesday for its annual October session, approving several updates affecting baseball, softball, tennis, and other sports across the state.
Among the most notable actions, the board voted to modify the game-ending procedures for baseball and softball, beginning with the upcoming seasons.
Baseball and Softball Rule Changes
In baseball, the CBOC voted to set aside NFHS Rule 4-2-3, which governs how games are finalized when halted by weather or darkness. Under the new AHSAA adoption, championship play games interrupted by weather or darkness must now be suspended if a new inning has started. Those games will resume from the point of interruption once play can safely continue, ensuring full completion.
For softball, the board approved an amendment to the NFHS mercy rule, allowing games to end if the leading team is ahead by 12 runs after three innings, 10 runs after four innings, or eight runs after five innings.
Tennis and Volleyball Adjustments
The CBOC also approved a recommendation from the Tennis Coaches Committee and Championship Committee to allow section tournaments to be scheduled over a broader time frame. The goal is to ensure all sectional matches conclude before the state tournament deadline.
In volleyball, the board adopted new language clarifying tiebreaker terminology, offering clearer definitions for the terms games, sets, and matches.
Shot Clock Discussion Tabled
A request from the Basketball Coaches Committee to introduce a shot clock for varsity basketball was tabled pending further data. The CBOC plans to revisit the issue at its December meeting.
“I thank the Central Board for their actions,” said AHSAA Associate Executive Director Heath Harmon. “The items addressed and confirmed show how important our sports committees are in the legislative process of the AHSAA. I also appreciate the Central Board for requesting more data when necessary.”
Membership and Other Board Actions
The board also approved Fort Dale Academy—an independent school in Greenville—for future membership in the AHSAA. The school will officially become eligible when the next classification period begins on June 1, 2026.
During the meeting, Roderick Sheppard, an administrator with Florence City Schools, was sworn in as a new Central Board member representing Districts 7 and 8. AHSAA Associate Executive Director Brian McRae administered the oath.
Other items addressed Wednesday included:
–A detailed presentation from Homewood High School basketball coach Elijah Garrison on implementing a shot clock for championship basketball play.
–A financial update from Executive Director Heath Harmon.
–A report from AHSAA’s banking partners at River Bank, presented by Cindy Davis and Clay Cook.
–An update on the upcoming Super 7 State Championships, presented by Daniel Smith of Knight-Eady.
–Approval of budgets for the Super 7, Alabama-Mississippi Football Classic, and North-South Football Classic all-star events set for December.
The board also discussed classification options for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 school years, which will determine the placement of schools in future competition cycles.
The AHSAA said all changes will take effect beginning with the next athletic season.
