High school sports in Missouri are managed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association, or MSHSAA. The organization oversees sports and activities for schools across the state, handling things like eligibility rules, schedules, and post-season competitions. Schools choose to join and agree to follow MSHSAA’s policies, which are voted on by member schools each year.
Recently, two bills have been introduced to the Missouri legislature that would change how the MSHSAA operates. Senate Bill 863 and House Bill 2278 would create a government oversight board over MSHSAA’s appeals process. The bills have support from the governor but have also drawn criticism from people who believe the government shouldn’t have a role in a private organization that runs high school sports.
Those who want the bills argue that they would bring more accountability to how MSHSAA handles decisions. Others disagree, like the MSHSAA director Jennifer Rikstad, who questioned whether it’s the state’s place to oversee a private nonprofit like her organization. Over 200,000 student-athletes are participating in MSHSAA-affiliated schools, making any changes to how the organization operates a big deal.
The state also recently passed the Homeschoolers’ Sports Act, which requires public schools to allow homeschooled students to try out for sports and extracurricular activities. MSHSAA said the change required big adjustments and worked to get updated guidelines out to member schools ahead of the fall sports season.
No laws giving the government direct control over MSHSAA have been passed yet, but the conversation is ongoing in the state legislature.
