Remember: As you watch the playoff pairings show tonight, IHSA football playoff expansion passed a vote of member schools, 377–252. The membership approved this format. If you’re frustrated with 2-win qualifiers, the brackets or who receives a bye, don’t start yelling at the IHSA. Start with the schools locally: • Email your head coach, athletic director, principal and superintendent—in that order. • Ask how your school voted, who was consulted and who cast the vote as its IHSA official representative. (You can find this on the IHSA school directory page.) • Request a written response explaining the school/district position. Ask what educational benefit this format provides beyond simply adding another game. • Ask what changes your school will propose or support. Follow up. • Go to a board meeting and participate in public comment. Nothing makes school board members more uncomfortable. Keep in mind: 252 schools voted against expansion. Your school/district may already agree with you. Ask whether it’s prepared to push for changes as soon as this season ends. For public schools, FOIA is another way to seek records of the vote and related discussions if you aren’t getting answers. Support the kids. Ask the adults how they voted and what they’re willing to do now. School sports are an extension of the classroom. Giving kids opportunities matters. But “more opportunities” alone doesn’t explain why this playoff format is better for them. A 2-7 season, even against difficult competition, doesn’t automatically make the case for someone deserving a postseason berth. Handling disappointment, recognizing where you fell short and working toward next season have educational value, too.