Alabama House Bill 298 Advances Amid AHSAA Criticism
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A contentious piece of legislation, Alabama House Bill 298, is gaining traction in the state legislature, despite opposition from the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). The bill proposes significant changes to how high school athletic programs are classified, notably by excluding English Language Learners (ELL) from school population totals unless they participate in sports.
Sponsored by Rep. Brock Colvin, the bill aims to tackle competitive disparities in the current classification system, which Colvin argues leads to injuries and discouragement among student athletes. “Kids are quitting and transferring,” he stated, emphasizing that including only active ELL participants would more accurately reflect the competitive landscape.
However, AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon has voiced strong opposition, insisting that the association operates effectively under self-governance established by its member schools. Harmon highlighted the importance of allowing schools to manage themselves without legislative interference, stating, “The AHSAA is a private association and does not accept public funds.”
Colvin countered this view, asserting that the AHSAA utilizes public resources and benefits from taxpayer-funded facilities, complicating its self-described private status.
Local sports commentator Steve Moulton expressed surprise at the bill’s momentum, noting a growing concern over the intersection of sports and politics in Alabama. “When sports and politics merge, it complicates matters,” he remarked, referring to increased political involvement in sports governance.
The bill has now moved to the State Senate. Should it pass there, it will be sent to Governor Kay Ivey for final approval, marking a pivotal moment for high school athletics in Alabama.
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