News Summary
HSRatings, a key resource for Bay Area high school football rankings, has implemented a paywall for the first time in its history, raising concerns over playoff seeding. The new subscription model offers three tiers, affecting access to crucial data used by leagues like the Central Coast Section and North Coast Section. Coaches and administrators worry about the equitable access for all schools, given the varying financial statuses, and how this will impact upcoming playoffs as the season approaches.
San Francisco, CA – HSRatings, a prominent resource for high school football rankings in the Bay Area, has introduced a paywall for the first time in its nearly 25-year history. This shift raises uncertainties surrounding playoff seeding for local high school football teams as the season approaches. The paywall is structured through three subscription tiers: $15 per year for up to five page views, $40 per year for up to 20 page views, and $140 per year for unlimited access.
Previously known as CalPreps, HSRatings provided free access to its database due to a contract with CBS, which owned MaxPreps. However, the site’s previous financial stability was compromised, leading to the shutdown of CalPreps last fall after CBS failed to provide necessary funds. The company had multiple breaches of contract with CalPreps since acquiring MaxPreps in 2007. CBS eventually sold MaxPreps to PlayOn in April, leaving HSRatings without a contract to supply data, thus prompting this significant change to a paid model.
Impact on Playoff Seeding
The Central Coast Section (CCS), which is heavily reliant on HSRatings for playoff seeding, utilizes a points system that awards additional points for games against highly ranked opponents. CCS Commissioner Dave Grissom has indicated the organization currently lacks a backup plan in light of the paywall, causing concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the playoff seeding process.
Similarly, the North Coast Section (NCS) also uses MaxPreps rankings, which are now in flux due to HSRatings no longer providing the necessary data. Without access to complete and accurate rankings, schools may face difficulties in navigating the playoff landscape.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Many high school football coaches throughout the Bay Area have expressed concern over the new subscription model. Although they recognize the value of HSRatings and are willing to pay for the service, there is anxiety about ensuring equitable access for all CCS schools. The varying financial status of schools may create disparities in the ability to afford subscriptions, potentially impacting teams’ playoff chances.
HSRatings’ Position
HSRatings asserts that it is the only site offering complete national schedules, scores, and standings, contrasting its model with others that depend on reported scores. However, with the high school football season fast approaching—only three weeks away—local leagues need to swiftly address the implications of the paywall on competition fairness and access to vital information.
Looking Ahead
As coaches and administrators prepare for the impending season, the introduction of the paywall presents significant challenges that require immediate attention. Without a resolution, teams that cannot afford the new rates may find themselves at a disadvantage, raising questions about how playoff seeding will be managed this year.
The changes brought on by HSRatings mark a pivotal moment for Bay Area high school football as it navigates new financial landscapes while attempting to maintain competitive integrity and equal opportunity among schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- SFGate: Bay Area Prep Football Changes
- Wikipedia: High School Football
- Mercury News: CIF-CCS Prep Football
- Google Search: High School Football Playoffs
- ABC7 News: El Cerrito High School Forfeits Games
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California High School Football
- East Bay Times: Bay Area High School Football Scores
- Google News: Bias in High School Football Playoffs
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
