The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has approved changes for soccer and softball for the 2016 campaigns.

Beginning with the 2016 soccer season this spring, Class 3A will consist of the 40 largest soccer schools. Class 2A will consist of the next largest 48 schools and all the remaining schools will play in Class 1A.

Prior to this change, Class 3A consisted of the 32 largest soccer schools and 2A consisted of the next largest 48.

The changes will not affect Xavier and Marion High School, which will remain in Class 2A for girls soccer. Xavier ranks 54th in the state in enrollment and Marion is 60th.

The IGHSAU Board of Directors also has made a change for girls softball for the 2016 season. The regional finals in all classes (1A through 5A) will be played on the home field of the highest seeded team rather than at neutral or pre-determined sites, providing the school has adequate lights and meets other requirements.