Clark County School District principals have pulled 30 football programs from the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association, opting to play as independents for the next two seasons. The decision follows months of disputes over realignment, Bishop Gorman’s dominance, and issues with charter schools and transfer rules.
Liberty football coach Rich Muraco said the move was necessary. “Something needs to be done. Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where you got to kind of take a stand and maybe cause some real change in the future.”
The change leaves Bishop Gorman, Faith Lutheran, and charter schools like Sloan Canyon, SLAM! Nevada, Mater East, and Losee as the only Southern schools eligible for recognized state titles. Faith Lutheran coach Jay Staggs expressed regret. “All of our players at the charter and private schools all play with these kids (at public schools), and they really enjoy the competitive nature of all the games that we’ve played. That part of it, I think, is sad.”
Multiple Factors Beyond Gorman
While Gorman has won all but one top-classification state title in 17 years, other issues contributed. CCSD eliminated open enrollment, restricting students to zoned schools. Meanwhile, private and charter schools can enroll students from anywhere. NIAA transfer rules also favor charter schools: transfers from public to charter are immediately eligible, while the reverse requires a year sit-out.
“This is also a lot to do with the charter schools. It’s not just a Gorman issue,” Muraco said. “The Mater East, the Sloan Canyons, the SLAMs. They have an unfair advantage of being able to get kids in there.”
HRM System and Legal Threats
Tensions peaked after the NIAA unveiled a new HRM point rating system for playoff qualification. Late-season ranking changes sparked confusion. “The way that it flipped from Shadow Ridge to Las Vegas to Foothill on a short week … was just unacceptable,” Muraco said.
CCSD principals proposed a 10-team Open Division to limit Gorman. After the NIAA approved it, the archdiocese threatened a lawsuit, and the plan was rescinded. “When Gorman sent the letters … that really irritated a lot of people,” Muraco added.
Cimarron-Memorial principal Colin McNaught then inquired about independent status, leading to the current move.
Next Steps
Principals meet Monday to finalize a format for the independent group, with coaches scheduling games Tuesday. CCSD said it will continue supporting schools. NIAA executive director Tim Jackson confirmed that the 30 schools remain members in good standing and can compete in other sports.
“In the coming days, we would have a meeting with all 4A and 5A (postseason-eligible teams) statewide to go over what the postseason for 2026 and 2027 will look like,” Jackson said.
Staggs hopes for better collaboration in the future. “I feel bad for the guys that aren’t able to play in November.”
