With the loss of the so-called “competitive balance” referendum last week, divisions for the various sports in Ohio will remain based on enrollment.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association lost by a vote of 339-301.

Harrison High School Athletic Director Mike Schiering said Harrison voted against the referendum, but said he received little support from the schools in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

“Most of the people I spoke with were against it,” said Schiering. “If the (OHSAA) is worried about the public/parochial schools debate, apply a multiplier to the parochial schools. Don’t penalize a school because they are good at a sport.”

One portion of the competitive balance referendum would place schools that are consistently successful in a particular sport into a higher division.