Hailey
High school sports and extracurricular activities are an important part of many students’ lives, offering opportunities for growth, competition, and community building. However, a new bill in Missouri could bring politics into these activities, raising concerns about their future.
Senate Bill 863, introduced by State Senator Jason Bean, proposes to dissolve the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) and replace it with a politically appointed board.
In this article, we will explore the potential impact of this bill, why it matters, and why many believe politics should stay out of high school sports.
The Proposal: Senate Bill 863
Senate Bill 863 is a proposal that could dramatically change how high school sports are governed in Missouri. If passed, this bill would eliminate the MSHSAA and replace it with a board appointed by Missouri’s governor, Mike Kehoe.
The new board would be responsible for overseeing high school sports and other extracurricular activities. While the idea might sound like a step towards more government control, it raises several concerns about the future of high school sports in Missouri.
Why MSHSAA is Important
The Missouri State High School Activities Association has been responsible for governing high school sports in Missouri for many years.
The organization is made up of a board that includes school superintendents, athletic directors, coaches, and other education professionals. These individuals have experience working with students, making them well-suited to oversee high school sports and extracurricular activities.
In contrast, the proposed bill would create a board filled with political appointees, individuals who may not have the necessary experience or knowledge to make decisions about high school sports.
The concern is that these appointees could prioritize political agendas over the welfare of student-athletes.
The Role of Politics in High School Sports
One of the biggest concerns with Senate Bill 863 is that it brings politics into a space that has traditionally been nonpartisan. High school sports and extracurricular activities have always been managed by nonpartisan organizations like MSHSAA.
These organizations are better equipped to make decisions based on the needs of students, coaches, and schools, rather than political interests.
Karissa Niehoff, the CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), has spoken out against the idea of political appointments in high school sports.
In a video statement, she emphasized that state associations, like MSHSAA, are best suited to govern these activities.
She believes that political appointees lack the expertise needed to make decisions about the welfare of student-athletes and that nonpartisan organizations have been serving this purpose effectively for over 100 years.
Concerns Over Discrimination Claims
Another factor contributing to the proposal of this bill is the ongoing investigations into MSHSAA’s policy of requiring two at-large board seats to be filled by minorities or women.
Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway have launched investigations into this policy, questioning its fairness and potential for discrimination.
This investigation has led to concerns that the bill may be a response to the complaints and investigations against MSHSAA.
Why Keeping Politics Out Matters
High school sports are meant to be an opportunity for students to grow, develop, and compete. These activities provide a space for students to learn life lessons such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.
Bringing politics into this space could change the priorities of decision-makers, shifting the focus away from what is best for students.
It’s also worth considering the practical impact. If the MSHSAA is replaced by a politically appointed board, there is a risk that decisions will be made by people who don’t understand the needs of students or the complexities of managing high school sports.
This could lead to poor decision-making that affects the quality of sports programs across the state.
Missouri lawmakers should think carefully before making any changes to the way high school sports are governed in the state. The proposed Senate Bill 863 could bring politics into a space that has always been nonpartisan, potentially harming student-athletes and the sports programs they rely on.
It’s important for the state to maintain a system where decisions are made by people with experience and knowledge of the needs of students, rather than by political appointees.
Keeping politics out of high school sports will ensure that these activities remain a positive and supportive environment for students to grow and succeed