The Iowa High School Athletic Association today announced a large change for the structure of the State Football Playoffs. Beginning in the 2016 season, the number of teams that qualify for the playoffs will be reduced from 32 to 16.

The State's Board of Control discussed and voted on the change in format this morning, citing player safety as the reason for change.

Today's actions put in place a scenario for the football postseason which allows for one week between games," said Alan Beste, IHSAA Executive Director. "The driving force behind this decision is player safety and keeping the best interest of our students at the forefront."

For this upcoming 2015 season, the current format of 32 qualifying teams will remain, with less than a week between games in the first three rounds of the playoffs.

The full press release from the IHSAA can be viewed here.