The Open Division for the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s biggest basketball conferences was approved.

It became official Monday during the AIA’s executive board's monthly board meeting. The power rankings will pick which eight teams from the 4-6A will participate in the Open Division tournaments for girls and boys.

During the 2022-23 school year is when the basketball Opens will start. The 4, 5 and 6A state tournaments will continue their 16-team format as well.

“The Open is the next progression for basketball,” AIA executive director David Hines said.

The board also approved the use of a shot clock during the next school year and will let each conference decide if they will use it.

AIA board notes

Winter soccer players have to determine before their high school season starts if they will play in a December club tournament or with their high school teams this season, Hines said.

They will not be allowed to do both. It’s a rule that’s in place, but the board and the AIA reiterated the rule after receiving a request.

The board also stated that it’s not opposed to AIA member schools participating in non-AIA events after a season is over, but the request needs to be made before a season starts, Hines said. Last year, because of the limited schedule football teams played during the pandemic, the board approved a non-AIA event that was held between two teams.

During Hines’ monthly report, he said that the preseason winter meeting for coaches was well attended, with more than 1,000 winter coaches participating. Also, the AIA will conduct some focus groups with parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators to discuss educational athletics.

Lastly, the fall tournament schedule is off to a great start.

“A lot of people have come out to be part of the tournaments,” Hines said. “We really appreciate that we are still working with the colleges.”

Arizona State will host the 4-6A football finals.