State Representative Troy Stubbs (R-Wetumpka) has pre-filed a bill that would allow cross-play competition between Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) school sports and non-affiliated school teams in Alabama.

Under the proposed bill, AHSAA member schools would be able to join other schools like the Alabama Association of Independent Schools (AISA) in agreeing to adhere to certain standards, such as physical exams, concussion protocols, and compliance with the National Athletic Federation. They will be allowed to compete with sports associations. National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Rules, Age Restrictions, and Match Official Requirements.

Stubbs' bill would expand the number of teams that AHSAA and AISA members can play, which would mean less travel for games and more time in the classroom for student-athletes.

“HB 91 simply gives AHSAA schools the option to play AISA teams. It allows coaches to create schedules that minimize travel time for student-athletes and their parents.” AISA said Executive Director Michael McClendon.

Stubbs' efforts draw attention to a practice adopted in nearly every state in the Southeast and beyond.

Research conducted for this bill found that of the 19 states surveyed, only Louisiana and Alabama do not have competitive selection among groups. Georgia, the most recent state to enact reforms, began allowing cross-play in competitive practices through a bill passed in 2016, which served as a model for Alabama's proposed bill.

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“Currently, AHSAA teams can play against Mississippi-based private schools and homeschool teams, but soon they will not be able to play against AISA schools. This makes no sense,” McClendon said. added.

“When our schools compete, it's not just the athletes who come together. It's families, alumni and local businesses. It's a celebration of the community. Competitive selection amplifies this and creates new local traditions. , will strengthen existing traditions.”

“High school athletic competition has been unnecessarily suppressed in our community. When private and public schools in the same area want to play against each other, we shouldn't stand in their way.” said Stubbs.

“This bill creates strong and fair competition between public and private schools while ensuring the safety of student-athletes. It also reduces travel time for games and provides student-athletes with the ability to stay in the classroom.” It will give you more time.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270