Comments
Share
Email
Print
Facts
"This legislation grew out of sincere and valid concerns about some specific issues regarding high school athletics…"
Roger Dearing
TALLAHASSEE | Despite opposition from a group that governs high school athletics, Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Friday that will change the way eligibility is determined for high school athletes.
The measure — HB 1403 sponsored by Rep. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland — would allow student athletes who transfer between schools during the school year to compete at their new schools without waiting until the following academic year, as long as the transfer was approved by the local school board.
She said the bill was prompted by controversies that have ensued when the Florida High School Athletic Association denied eligibility to some transfer students, including three football players at Lakeland High School in the fall.
"I think it is very fair to our students and it is a fair approach in dealing with high school athletics. Students should not be guilty until proven innocent," she said referring to what she has said was the unfairness of students being punished for adult actions in athletic recruiting in the old law.
"Plus, I believe in school choice, and this allows parents to make those choices for their children," she said.
But the FHSAA opposed the bill, warning that the eligibility denials were rare and that changing the transfer rules could lead to more illegal recruiting of high school athletes.
Still, after the governor's decision Friday, FHSAA Executive Director Roger Dearing said the organization would work quickly to implement the changes.
_____________________
This is very disappointing, as athletic transfers in our area has reached an all time high. I hope it's not a sign of the future throughout the country.
Original Post
