The board met at the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association office in Hermitage and voted unanimously to increase the number of qualifiers to the boys and girls Class AAA state track meet from two to four in each of the four sectionals.
The change means 16 athletes will qualify for the state in each event as compared to eight in previous years.
The change does not affect Class A/AA or Division II, which qualifies the top two finishers in each of three regions in addition to the next two overall finishers.
"I think that's great," said Rossview track Coach Mark McNeil, whose girls team finished runner-up in Class AAA last year. "It means more people will be involved in the state meet, and that's important for everyone."
TSSAA Executive Director Ronnie Carter said the opportunity for increased participation was the main reason for the change.
Although the track schedule for Spring Fling has not been finalized, Carter said it will likely become a five-day event. Monday and Tuesday will be reserved for the pentathlon and decathlon, Wednesday will feature Class AAA girls qualifying heats. Thursday will be for the girls meet in all three classifications along with AAA boys qualifying heats, and Friday will be the boys meet for all three divisions.
The final format for the track state meet will be determined at January's board meeting. All competition will be held at Middle Tennessee State.
"I think it will be a good shot in the arm for Class AAA track," Carter said.