Alabama Governor Calls for Input on AHSAA Reforms

On Thursday, Alabama Governor Will Ainsworth urged the public to share their insights, critiques, and recommendations regarding the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA). He’s looking for input on necessary changes and reforms.

Ainsworth is collecting feedback via his email address. His call for comments comes after the AHSAA’s recent decision to deny eligibility to certain students attending ACH.

In a statement, Ainsworth remarked that “the AHSAA decision over the law is a much bigger problem: a complete lack of accountability for its actions.” He emphasized the need for reform in how high school athletics are governed and regulated in Alabama. “I invite the public to send their thoughts, suggestions, and experiences,” he added.

Despite state law safeguarding students from losing athletic eligibility due to participation in the Alabama ACT school selection program, the AHSAA reportedly chose to overlook this law. Ainsworth criticized the AHSAA for breaking its own regulations by denying eligibility to select students affiliated with ACT, and he mentioned plans to introduce legislation aimed at reclaiming authority from the AHSAA.

Meanwhile, Governor Kay Ivey and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter filed a lawsuit against the AHSAA, leading to a ruling from Circuit Judge Montgomery that temporarily suspended the eligibility denials.

This development regarding the Choice Act is part of a growing list of controversies involving the AHSAA, which operates with minimal oversight. In 2022, the organization made headlines when it confiscated the Oakwood Adventist Store Academy’s participation in a local semi-final basketball game, leading to a postponement that impacted the team’s ability to compete without interfering with their religious practices.

Previously, in 2019, the AHSAA faced backlash when it ruled against the senior year eligibility of Malida Venport, an exceptional basketball player at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, due to administrative issues. This controversy sparked significant discussion among sports commentators, television personalities, and athletes nationwide. Ultimately, a Pike County Circuit Judge issued an emergency order restoring Venport’s eligibility after her family contested the decision.