A proposal to further strip some of the powers from the association that oversees Florida's middle and high school athletic programs has moved forward in the House over the organization's objections.
The Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Thursday unanimously backed the measure (HB 1279) that is intended to restrict the Florida High School Athletic Association's investigations into student-athlete transfers, limit the amount of fines and fees member schools pay, and revamp the make-up of the association's board.
The FHSAA criticized the bill last month as opening the door to student-athletes becoming free agents and to "nefarious people who might want to circumvent rules."
But on Thursday, the association had a softened opposition. The group is still opposed, but willing to work with lawmakers on improving the bill.
"Last year you passed a significant bill with regard to school districts being able to approve transfers and the FHSAA had to accept those transfers," said Juhan Mixon, representing the FHSAA. "If they're approved for transfer, they're approved. This bill refines some of those issues."
The Senate version (SB 1164) by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, remains scheduled for only two stops Education and Rules but has yet to have a hearing.
The House sponsor, Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, said the intent of his proposal is to rein in the FHSAA's authority, which is sometimes seen as overreaching and arbitrary.
"The major thrust of the bill is to put students first by presuming their eligibility and strengthening due process when it is challenged, instead of forcing them to defend themselves against sometimes unsubstantiated allegations and aggressive investigations by an organization that is all too quick to presume that they are cheating," Metz said.
Evan Ross, an alumni of Dr. Michael M. Krop High School in Miami-Dade County, decried the association, claiming it used tyrannical powers when it fined the school $53,182 in 2011 for falsifying information so students could play for the boys' basketball team at the time the top ranked team in the state. The school was also barred from the playoffs for three years.
"They have too much power and nearly no oversight," Ross said of the association.
The measure must still clear the Education Committee before reaching the House floor.
The proposal is backed by Access for Student Athletes Coalition, an initiative launched by Floridians for Government Accountability Inc.
"People are quick to assume that the FHSAA is under attack by this proposal, and pay no attention to the fact that these changes have been prompted by concerned parents and victimized students, said Jim Hart, chairman of Floridians for Government Accountability.
The proposal also would let the Legislature make appointments to the organization's board. The proposal also further expands the state law that allows students to play for their school of choice if the public or charter school they attend does not offer the sport.
Months before the bill was introduced, the FHSAA imposed more than $62,500 in fines against the Lakeland High Dreadnaughts after seven of its athletes, including five from the schools perennial football powerhouse, were found ineligible to play for infractions ranging from falsifying addresses to failing to make a full and complete move before enrolling, and receiving impermissible benefits that included free rent.
The high school student-athlete proposal follows a law enacted a year ago that pushed back on the FHSAA for clamping down on midschool-year transfers and students following coaches to new schools. The law, sponsored by Stargel then a member of the House allows students-athletes to change schools at any time without having to sit out a year as was the prior rule after the first 20 days of a school year.Meanwhile, it is up to the school districts to police themselves for recruiting violations by coaches, parents and alumni.
The FHSAA initially fought the law, noting that none of its member high schools had requested the change.
