AUGUSTA, Ga. - Today marks a historic day for South Carolina high school athletics. The South Carolina High School League executive committee has approved a plan to try to increase competitive balance in the lower classes. 

In a 12 to 4 vote, an out-of-zone multiplier of 3 will be added for each student who lives outside of a school's assigned attendance zone. 

The decision was made in response to fair play concerns in Class A and Class 2A, where a large amount of charter and private schools have enjoyed tremendous success. 

Let's take a look at this year's football playoffs in both classes. Gray Collegiate Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy, Southside Christian, and Christ Church Episcopal are four examples of schools that many say are playing inferior classes. 

With the new multiplier it is likely that these schools will be playing in a class or two higher next year based off of their current enrollment figures. Keep in mind, there will most likely be a number of appeals by those schools that will be impacted the most. 

The proposal will go into effect for the 2024-2025 season and will play a huge role in (and most likely, slow down) the realignment process. 

The opponents of the measure were primarily representatives of private schools, but even many who voted for it said it was not perfect, but it was the best option they had available. 

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