The CIAC Board of Control voted unanimously at its meeting Thursday to accept the proposal of the CIAC Football Committee to adopt a new division and playoff structure for the sport of football beginning in the 2010 season.

"The board would like to commend the football committee for the several years of hard work that resulted in this proposal," said Berlin High School Principal George Synnott, chair of the CIAC board. "The committee was able to formulate a plan that addressed some substantial issues. Under the new system eight additional teams will have the opportunity to participate in the CIAC football playoffs each year. Our organization is about providing opportunities for student-athletes and this plan accomplishes that goal."

The format calls for four equal divisions by enrollment (down from the current six). Eight teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. A quarterfinal round will be on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, followed by semifinals on the next Saturday and the four championship games the Saturday after that. In 2010 those dates will be November 30th (16 quarterfinals at sites of the higher ranked team), December 4th (eight semifinals at neutral sites if possible) and December 11th (four championship games at one or two sites).

"The football committee would like to thank the board for understanding the value of this proposal and giving it such a strong endorsement," commented committee chair Leroy Williams. "Starting next year an additional 500+ student-athletes will be able to experience the thrill of CIAC playoff competition as a reward for the hard work that leads to a successful season."

The complete proposal as present to the board can be viewed here.