The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors has approved the 2021 football tournament regulations. This included proposals from OHSAA staff to increase the number of playoff teams as well as a regional playoff format change.
Now, 16 teams per region will qualify for the postseason. The higher seeded team will host the first and second round playoff games as opposed to only the first round previously. Neutral sites will be used beyond the second round.
“Last fall we received overwhelmingly positive feedback when we allowed every team to enter the football playoffs due to the shortened season because of COVID-19,” said OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute. “We know there are some who want to keep the football postseason to a smaller number of schools, but the postseason tournament gives such a positive experience for our student-athletes, the schools and their communities that well felt strongly about giving that opportunity to more schools to make the playoffs”.
Additionally, a strength of schedule component could be added in 2022.
For more, see the entire release at the OHSAA website!