W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-10 : Secondary School Activities Commission — LEGISLATIVE RULE WEST VIRGINIA SECONDARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES COMMISSION —03 - Provisions Governing Contests —3-10 - Classification

10.1. Each member high school shall be classified as either AAAA, AAA, AA, or A based on the total score given by the classification model that considers the factors of enrollment, location, and economics. The designation shall be done after the end of the second school month of the odd numbered year preceding the classification. For an explanation of the classification model, and how scores are assigned, see Appendix 1.
10.2. Classification of member high schools shall be determined every four years on the even numbered years and will remain in effect for a four year period unless the school experiences a 20% change in enrollment using WVDE enrollment figures at the end of the second school month. Classification changes due to a 20% change in enrollment becomes effective next academic year.
10.3. A school may choose to compete in WVSSAC tournaments in any class above its classification providing proper notification is made to the WVSSAC prior to Friday of week 27 after classification has been approved by the Board of Directors. Approval of this option will be for a four year period and will be effective for individual sports sponsored by the school.
10.4. The Board of Directors may structure the WVSSAC tournament series in each sport by classification (AAAA-AAA-AA-A). Each sport will be structured according to the level of interest and accommodation for tournament alignment. The WVSSAC will conduct a survey of the membership prior to any change of structure of any given sport.
10.5. If a consolidation of two or more member schools occurs during the classification period, the new member school will be reclassified based on the total score given by the classification model that considers the factors of enrollment, location, and economics.
10.6. No member school shall, based on the classification, be compelled to play more than one class up from where it would be classified in a three class system based strictly on enrollment.
10.7. The WVSSAC Board of Directors is authorized to grant a waiver to a classification assignment when it determines the rule fails to accomplish the purpose for which it is intended.

W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-10