South Carolina House Education Subcommittee reviews High School Athletic Association reform bill

The South Carolina House Education and Public Works Committee's K-12 Subcommittee convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss significant changes to high school athletics in the state. A key focus of the meeting was House Bill 4163, which proposes the establishment of a new South Carolina High School Athletic Association. This new entity would replace the existing South Carolina High School League and would restrict member schools from participating in any other athletic associations within the state.

The proposed bill outlines a governance structure that includes a board of directors composed of representatives from various educational and governmental bodies, including the state superintendent of education and appointees from the governor and legislative leaders. The board would be responsible for creating rules, sanctioning sports programs, and establishing a playoff system, among other duties.

During the meeting, several athletic directors voiced their concerns regarding the bill. Tommy Bell, president of the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association, emphasized the importance of the existing league and its recent improvements in transparency and governance. He argued that the proposed changes could disrupt the progress made over the past several years and expressed a desire for the current leadership to continue evolving rather than being replaced.

Jack Kuzmicki, vice president of the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the league is fundamentally composed of its member schools, which have the power to influence changes in rules and regulations. He stressed that the league's staff administers operations but that the membership ultimately drives policy decisions.

The discussions revealed a divide among stakeholders, with some advocating for the proposed changes as a necessary reform, while others cautioned against dismantling a system that has shown improvement. The committee's deliberations will continue as they weigh the implications of the proposed bill on high school athletics in South Carolina. The outcome of this legislation could significantly impact how student-athletes participate in sports across the state, making it a critical issue for educators, parents, and students alike.