If passed, the SCHSL would be eliminated and a new 11-member board would be set up.
YORK, S.C. β In South Carolina, State House Bill 4163 is making its way through the statehouse with the goal of dissolving the South Carolina High School Leagueβthe longtime governing body for high school athleticsβand replace it with an entirely new organization.
If the bill passes, it will eliminate the SCHSL and replace it with an 11-member board and appointed staff. The bill specifically bans current athletic directors, coaches, and other school leaders from serving on the board or as appointed staff.
While more than 24 lawmakers are in favor of this change, critics say this proposal could take decision-making power away from those who know student athletes best.
βIt would be the equivalent of taking your car to the dentist to have the oil changed,β explained Scott Earley, the Executive Director of the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association.
He says the current league isΒ the most qualified.
βThe 220 schools in South Carolina choose the high school league to be the unbiased party to run and govern athletics,β Earley said. βThose people [lawmakers] who are making the decisions have no idea how to run high school athletics in any way.”
Earley says thatβs where their biggest issue lies with the change.
βIt would almost turn into a good old boys system where you can elect or nominate your buddies,β he explained.
The bill also explains that all public schools – including charter schools – would be required to affiliate exclusively with the new organization for their program operations.
WCNC Charlotte reached out to the legislators on the bill to get information on why theyβre proposing this change β and they neglected to respond.Β
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