Elementary divisionals removed after thorough review by athletic directors

Athletic directors from schools participating in the South Korea Association of International Schools (SKAIS) decided to remove the divisional tournament for elementary athletes starting in the 2026–27 school year. 

The decision follows SKAIS’s removal of divisional tournaments for middle and high school athletes several years ago. “So that decision was made before I became athletic director, but my understanding was the divisional was put in place when the conference was much bigger, with 8 to 10 schools, so you couldn’t play all the games in one day. But as the conference got smaller, it wasn’t necessary to have two days, and schools didn’t want to spend money to play the same teams twice,” DIS athletic director Mr. Bergan said. 

Elementary athletes now compete directly in the finals tournament, which reduces the time and money spent on the divisionals. But, the reduced competition schedules limit the Jets’ opportunity to build experience through playing games.

Mr. Bergan acknowledged that the change would face objections. “Some people are gonna say it’s not good and I hear that, but it’s difficult to get other playing occasions for elementary. I do admit that it does cut back on playing time of other schools,” he said.  

For now, the new structure will cut playing time for the athletes across the league. After all, Jeju schools in the Korean International Schools Activities Conference (KISAC) do not host elementary competitions and instead compete locally.

Other playing opportunities remain available for younger athletes. However, differing school calendars and a lighter emphasis on athletics at some Korean schools would make additional competitions demanding.

Coaches stay reluctant with the change. “I don’t think it’s good. I really like having the two tournaments, because I think the divisionals were a big learning curve for the girls before the finals tournament, and it was a really good opportunity for them to learn the rules of the game and figure it out in the divisionals,” elementary girls basketball coach Ms. Loutsch said. 

With the new system in effect, the Jets’ elementary athletes look forward to competing in their upcoming SKAIS tournament later in November. DIS will continue seeking additional chances for elementary teams to compete throughout the school year. 

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