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In 2013, the D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association adopted a two-tier promotion system, similar to the ones popularized by various soccer leagues throughout Europe, in hopes of creating more competitive balance.
The gap between the strongest and weakest teams in the District had become wide, and some schools struggled to field rosters large enough to absorb injuries. Separating the teams into the upper-echelon Stars and the lower-level Stripes evened the playing field a bit.
But 10 seasons in, the new structure remains divisive. Coaches, among others, say the threshold for promotion is too high and there are negative consequences to having such a clear delineation.
On Saturday, reigning Stripes champion Bell will play in the Gravy Bowl with a shot at being promoted next year. The difficulty of the task leaves Griffins Coach Daniel Tyson with mixed feelings about the structure.
“When this was implemented, the gap between the haves and have-nots was enormous,” Tyson said. “So to see teams like us and Coolidge be able to build up our programs to the point where we are now routinely knocking off teams in the Stars shows the benefit of this system.
“But with that being said, I think it’s time for some modifications. Two of the city’s best are stuck in the lower division because the current system puts a greater value on championships, which requires just as much luck as it does talent, than on sustained excellence.”
Read more here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/11/17/dc-high-school-football-stars-stripes-plenty-gripes/
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