This docum ent does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill sponsor or House of Representatives.
STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC
DATE: 2/11/2022
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS
BILL #: CS/CS/HB 443 Interscholastic and Intrascholastic Activities
SPONSOR(S): Education & Employment Committee, Secondary Education & Career Development
Subcommittee, Beltran
TIED BILLS: None IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 738
REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or
BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF
1) Secondary Education & Career Development
Subcommittee
10 Y, 3 N, As CS Wolff Sanchez
2) Education & Employment Committee 13 Y, 6 N, As CS Wolff Hassell
SUMMARY ANALYSIS
While maintaining the designation of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) as the state’s
governing nonprofit athletic association for Florida public schools, the bill authorizes the Commissioner of
Education (commissioner), with the approval of the State Board of Education (SBE), to approve other nonprofit
athletic associations that public schools may join for interscholastic athletic competition. The bill defines
“approved athletic association” as the FHSAA and other nonprofit athletic associations approved by the
commissioner and the SBE. The bill requires nonprofit athletic associations to operate under a contract with
the SBE. Prior to entering into a contract with an association, the SBE must annually review the associations
bylaws, policies, and dues and fees for compliance with the law.
The bill requires approved athletic associations to comply with current law regarding organizational
governance, student eligibility, and health and wellness for student extracurricular activities and athletics. The
bill establishes that the bylaws of each approved athletic association in the state are the rules by which high
school athletic programs and member schools are governed, unless statute provides otherwise. The bill
establishes requirements relating to organizational governance, representation, and governance committees
for select athletic associations.
The bill provides that any high school in the state, including private schools, traditional public schools, charter
schools, virtual schools, and home education cooperatives, may become a member of an approved athletic
association. Current law prohibits the FHSAA from denying or discouraging interscholastic competition
between member and non-member schools and prohibits retributory or discriminatory action against member
schools that participate in competition with non-FHSAA member schools. The bill applies these prohibitions to
all approved athletic associations as well as allowing schools or home education cooperatives the option of full
membership or by individual sport participation in the FHSAA and other approved athletic associations.
The bill requires approved athletic associations, whose memberships include public schools, to adopt bylaws,
policies, or procedures that provide schools participating in a high school championship contest or series,
under the direction and supervision of the association, an opportunity to make brief opening remarks at the
event.
The bill expands the ability of home education program, Florida Virtual School full-time students, and private
school students to participate in interscholastic and intrascholastic activities and athletics. The bill also requires
that students who transfer between schools during the school year be permitted to complete the interscholastic
and intrascholastic activities in which they participated at the school from which they transferred.
This bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact.
The bill has an effective date of July 1, 2022.
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FULL ANALYSIS
I. SUBSTANTIVE ANALYSIS
A. EFFECT OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
Present Situation
Florida High School Athletic Association
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) is statutorily designated as the governing nonprofit
organization for interscholastic athletics for grades 6 through 12 in Florida public schools.
1
Any high
school, middle school, or combination school,
2
including charter schools, virtual schools, private schools,
and home education cooperatives,
3
may become a member of the FHSAA.
4
However, membership in
the FHSAA is not mandatory and the FHSAA must allow private schools the option of maintaining full
membership or membership by sport.
5
The FHSAA may not deny or discourage a private school from
simultaneously maintaining membership in another athletic association.
6
The FHSAA may allow public
schools the option of applying for consideration to join another athletic association.
7
The FHSAA is
prohibited from denying or discouraging interscholastic competition between its member schools and
non-FHSAA member schools in Florida and may not take discriminatory or retributory action against a
member school that engages in interscholastic competition with non-FHSAA member schools.
8
The FHSAA is required to adopt bylaws regulating student eligibility, recruiting, and member schools’
interscholastic competition in accordance with applicable law.
9
If the FHSAA fails to meet its obligations
and responsibilities, the Commissioner of Education (commissioner) is directed to designate a nonprofit
organization to manage interscholastic athletics with the approval of the State Board of Education
(SBE).
10
FHSAA Membership in the National Federation of State High School Associations
The FHSAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).
11
NFHS
is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership for the administration of high school athletics and
activities by writing rules, publishing guidance materials, and offering educational courses for coaches,
officials, student-athletes, parents, and school administrators.
12
The FHSAA requires that interscholastic
athletic competitions involving its member schools adhere to the rules published by or approved by the
NFHS.
13
NFHS educational materials are available as resources and standards for individuals involved
in interscholastic athletics. In particular, NFHS Learn Courses cover many topics, ranging from “Sudden
Cardiac Arrest” to “Engaging Effectively with Parents” to “Student Mental Health and Suicide
1
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
2
A “combination school” is any school that provides instruction to students in high school and the middle school grades; elementary,
middle or high school grades combined; or elementary and middle grades combined (e.g. K-12; K-8; 6-12; or 7-12). Bylaw 3.2.2.3,
FHSAA.
3
A “home education cooperative” is a parent-directed group of individual home education students that provides opportunities for
interscholastic athletic competition to those students and may include students in grades 6-12. Bylaw 3.2.2.4, FHSAA.
4
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
5
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.; Bylaws 3.2.1.4-5, FHSAA.
6
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
7
Id.
8
Id.
9
Section 1006.20(2), F.S.
10
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
11
Nate Perry, State High School Associations Come in All Shapes and Sizes, National Federation of State High School Associations
(Jan. 14, 2020), https://www.nfhs.org/articles/state-high-school-associations-come-in-all-shapes-and-sizes/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022);
National Federation of State High School Associations, State Association Listing, https://www.nfhs.org/resources/state-association-
listing (last visited Feb. 4, 2022)
12
National Federation of State High School Associations, About Us, https://www.nfhs.org/who-we-are/aboutus (last visited Feb. 4,
2022).
13
Bylaw 8.2.1, FHSAA. A two-thirds vote by the FHSAA Board of Directors may waive the requirement to utilize NFHS rules for a
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Prevention.”
14
The FHSAA requires student-athletes and coaches to complete the following NFHS Learn
courses: “Concussion in Sports,” “Concussion for Students,” “Heat Illness Prevention,” and “Sudden
Cardiac Arrest.”
15
Currently, no other Florida athletic associations are affiliate members of the NFHS.
16
Florida law prohibits
the FHSAA from unreasonably withholding its approval of an application submitted by another
organization governing interscholastic athletic competition in the state that seeks to become an affiliate
member of the NFHS.
17
School Membership in the FHSAA
Qualifications, contained in the FHSAA bylaws, for an accredited Florida secondary school, registered
with the DOE, to attain membership in the FHSAA include, but are not limited to:
18
The school’s governing body approving the school’s membership in the FHSAA and adopting the
FHSAA bylaws each year as the rules governing interscholastic athletic programs;
Paying dues and fees required of member schools;
Maintaining the insurance coverage required of member schools; and
Being elected by the FHSAA Board of Directors for FHSAA membership.
The FHSAA Board of Directors approves schools or home education cooperatives for initial and
continuing membership in the Association, adopts and amends administrative regulations for FHSAA
programs, and serves as the Association’s highest appellate authority.
19
The FHSAA lists the privileges of full membership as including competing in FHSAA championships,
voting in Association elections, seeking election to positions in FHSAA governance, and applying and
serving as hosts of multi-school events.
20
Participation in the Florida High School State Championship
Series is limited to senior high schools, combination schools, and home education cooperatives with full
membership in the FHSAA.
21
Participation is voluntary in the Florida High School State Championship,
however, the FHSAA Board of Directors’ preference is that all eligible schools participate.
22
The FHSAA
does provide an option for member schools to exercise independent status for “legitimate reasons”
23
but
expressly states that this status is not intended as a vehicle for schools to organize in protest of the
FHSAA’s policies or establish a postseason championship separate from the Florida High School State
Championship Series.
24
The FHSAA requires any independent status member schools to receive the
FHSAA Board of Directors’ approval for any championship playoff occurring after the conclusion of the
FHSAA-approved regular season.
25
Student Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
14
National Federation of State High School Associations Learning Center, Courses, https://nfhslearn.com/courses (last visited Feb. 4,
2022).
15
Florida High School Athletic Association, NFHS Resources, https://fhsaa.com/sports/2020/5/1/NFHS_Resources.aspx (last visited
Feb. 4, 2022); Policies 40.1.1, 41.1.1 and 42.1.1, FHSAA.
16
The largest, most comprehensive organization governing high school sports in a state is a “member” of NFHS and other state
associations may join NFHS as “affiliate associations.” Nate Perry, State High School Associations Come in All Shapes and Sizes,
National Federation of State High School Associations (Jan. 14, 2020), https://www.nfhs.org/articles/state-high-school-associations-
come-in-all-shapes-and-sizes/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022); National Federation of State High School Associations, State Association
Listing, https://www.nfhs.org/resources/state-association-listing (last visited Feb. 4, 2022) (Click “NFHS Affiliate Associations”).
17
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
18
Bylaw 3.3.1, FHSAA. Similar qualifications and conditions apply to home education cooperatives seeking to become members in
the FHSAA. Bylaw 3.3.2, FHSAA.
19
Section 1006.20(4)(e), F.S.; Bylaws 3.7 and 4.3.2, FHSAA.
20
Bylaw 3.9.1, FHSAA.
21
Bylaws 8.7.1.1, FHSAA; Policy 10.1.1, FHSAA.
22
Policy 10.1.2, FHSAA.
23
The FHSAA policies outline legitimate reasons as including, but not limited to, a newly opened school, consistent inability to
compete in the assigned FHSAA classification, geographic isolation that creates financial burdens for participation, educational
philosophies that that prohibit extended athletic participation, and religious reasons preventing competition. Policy 10.1.3, FHSAA.
24
Policy 10.1.3, FHSAA.
25
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Florida law outlines numerous standards and requirements relating to student extracurricular activities
and athletics.
26
Current law provides that “eligible to participate,” for purposes of extracurricular
activities and athletics, includes a student participating in tryouts, off-season conditioning, summer
workouts, preseason conditioning, in-season practice, or contests.
27
Additionally, a student must satisfy
the following requirements to be deemed eligible to participate:
28
Maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the previous
semester or a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent,
in the courses required for a standard high school diploma.
Execute and fulfill the requirements of an academic performance contract between the student,
the district school board, the appropriate governing association, and the student’s parents, if the
student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, or its equivalent, on a 4.0 scale in the
courses required for a standard high school diploma.
29
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, in the
courses required for a standard high school diploma during their junior or senior year.
Maintain satisfactory conduct, including adherence to appropriate dress and other codes of
student conduct.
30
Any student who is exempt from attending a full school day based on rules adopted by the district
school board must maintain the grade point average required of full school day students and pass each
class for which he or she is enrolled.
31
Any entity that governs interscholastic extracurricular activities of public schools is prohibited from
discriminating against any eligible student based on their education choice of public, private or home
education.
32
No public school may join an organization that regulates interscholastic activities and
discriminates against otherwise eligible students in public, private, or home education.
33
Home Education Student’s Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Students participating in a home education program may be eligible to participate in extracurricular
activities at a Florida’s public school or a private school.
34
Current law permits a home education
program student to participate at the public school to which the student would be assigned according to
district school board attendance area policies, any public school that the student could choose to attend
pursuant to Florida’s controlled open enrollment processes, or a private school, subject to an
agreement with that private school.
35
A home education program student’s participation is subject to
following conditions:
36
The home education student satisfies the requirements of Florida’s home education program.
During the period of participation at a school, the home education student demonstrates
educational progress.
The home education student meets the same residency requirements as other students in the
school at which he or she participates.
26
See Chapter 1006, Part 1, Section D, F.S.
27
Section 1006.15(3)(a), F.S.
28
Id.
29
Any such academic performance contract must, at a minimum, require that the student attend summer school between grades 9 and
10 or grades 10 and 11, as appropriate. Section 1006.15(3)(a)2., F.S.
30
Continued participation in extracurricular activities by a student convicted of felony or a delinquent act that would be a felony if
committed by an adult, regardless of whether adjudication is withheld, shall be governed by published school district policies. Section
1006.15(3)(a)4., F.S.
31
Section 1006.15(3)(b), F.S. Examples of such programs include double session schools or programs, experimental schools, or
schools operating under emergency conditions.
32
Section 1006.15(5), F.S.
33
Section 1006.15(6), F.S.
34
Section 1006.15(3)(c), F.S.
35
Id.
36
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The home education student meets the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and
performance as required of other students in extracurricular activities.
The student registers with the school his or her intent to participate in interscholastic
extracurricular activities as a representative of the school before participation.
37
Florida Virtual School Student’s Participation in Extracurricular Activities
A student of the Florida Virtual School full-time program may participate in any interscholastic
extracurricular activity at the public school to which the student would be assigned according to district
school board attendance area policies or which the student could choose to attend pursuant to Florida’s
controlled open enrollment processes, if the student:
38
During the period of participation at the school, meets the grade point average and student
conduct requirements generally required for students to be “eligible to participate.”
Meets any requirements established by the board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School.
Meets the same residency requirements as other students in the school at which he or she
participates.
Meets the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance that are required of other
students in extracurricular activities.
Registers his or her intent to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities with the
school before participation.
39
Transfer Student’s Participation in Extracurricular Activities
A student who transfers to a school during the school year may seek to immediately participate in an
extracurricular activity if the roster for the activity has not reached its maximum size and if the coach or
sponsor for the activity determines that the student has the requisite skill and ability to participate. The
FHSAA and school district or charter school may not declare such a student ineligible because the
student did not have the opportunity to comply with established qualifying requirements.
40
With regard to eligibility for participation in sports, a transfer student may not participate in a sport if he
or she participated in that same sport at another school during that school year, except when the
student is:
41
A dependent child of active duty military personnel whose move resulted from military orders.
A child who was relocated due to a foster care placement in a different school zone.
A child who moved due to a court-ordered change in custody due to separation or divorce, or
the serious illness or death of a custodial parent.
Authorized to participate for good cause in district or charter school policy.
Private School Student Participation in Interscholastic Athletics
The FHSAA and member school districts are required to establish a program through which private
school students may participate in interscholastic sports at public schools.
42
A private school student
shall be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at the public middle school, public high school
or public 6-12 school for which they would be assigned by the local school district or at any public
school that the student could attend pursuant to Florida’s controlled open enrollment processes if the
private school that he or she attends is not a member of the FHSAA and he or she meets the guidelines
for such participation established by the FHSAA and the district school board.
43
Each academic year, a
37
The school at which the home education program student participates in an extracurricular activity must permit the student to
participate in any curricular activities necessary for full participation in the extracurricular activity. Section 1006.15(3)(c)5., F.S.
38
Section 1006.15(3)(e), F.S.
39
The school at which the Florida Virtual School student participates in an extracurricular activity must permit the student to
participate in any curricular activities necessary for full participation in the extracurricular activity. Section 1006.15(3)(e)5., F.S.
40
Section 1006.15(9)(a), F.S.
41
Section 1006.15(9)(b), F.S.
42
Section 1006.15(8), F.S.
43
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student participating in this program may only participate at the public school where the student first
registers or makes himself or herself a candidate for an athletic team by engaging in a practice.
44
The private school the participating student attends is required to share any of the participating
student’s education records necessary for the operation of the program with the FHSAA, upon
request.
45
The athletic director at the public school where the private school student participates is
required to maintain any necessary education records.
46
Only students attending private schools that are not members of the FHSAA and that have 125 or fewer
students are authorized to participate in this program.
47
Eligible students must apply using the FHSAA
application process.
48
The parents of a participating student are responsible for transporting the student
to and from the public school at which he or she participates.
49
Responsibilities of the FHSAA
Among the provisions relating to student extracurricular activities and athletics, there are student
eligibility, governance, transparency, and student-athlete health requirements specifically for the
FHSAA. Florida law establishes that the FHSAA retains jurisdiction over school membership in the
FHSAA; recruiting prohibitions and violations; student medical evaluations; investigations; sanctions for
coaches; school eligibility and forfeiture of competitions; student concussions and head injuries; the
sports medical advisory committee; and the general operational provisions of the FHSAA.
50
However,
the FHSAA’s implementation of these provisions may not contradict statutory requirements regarding
district school boards’ and charter schools’ responsibilities in determining student eligibility for
extracurricular participation.
51
Regarding governance, the FHSAA is required to adopt bylaws outlining requirements for student
eligibility, recruiting violations, investigations, and appeals.
52
The FHSAA is also required to establish
two committees: the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the Public Liaison Advisory
Committee, which acts as a conduit for the general public to provide input in the FHSAA’s decisions
and conducts annual evaluations of the FHSAA.
53
Student-Athlete Health & Wellness
Florida law requires the FHSAA to adopt bylaws mandating that all students planning to participate or
who are participating in interscholastic athletic competition pass a medical evaluation each year before
engaging in any physical activity related to interscholastic athletics (including conditioning, tryouts,
practices, and competition).
54
The medical evaluation, administered by a licensed practitioner
55
in good
standing, must collect information on the student-athlete’s medical history and include a physical
assessment.
56
The medical evaluation form must incorporate recommendations from the American Heart
44
Section 1006.15(8)(c), F.S.
45
Section 1006.15(8)(e), F.S.
46
Section 1006.15(8)(d), F.S.
47
Section 1006.15(8)(g), F.S.
48
Section 1006.15(8)(f), F.S.
49
Section 1006.15(8)(b), F.S. Additionally, this provision shields the FHSAA, the public school at which the student is participating,
district school board operating the school, and the private school the student attends from civil liability for any injuries that occur
during such transportation.
50
Section 1006.195(2)(a), F.S.
51
Id.
52
Section 1006.20(2) and (7), F.S.
53
Section 1006.20(2)(m) and (6), F.S.
54
Section 1006.20(2)(c), F.S.
55
Licensed practitioners include medical practitioners licensed pursuant to Chapter 458, F.S., osteopathic practitioners licensed
pursuant to Chapter 459, F.S., chiropractic practitioners licensed pursuant to Chapter 460, F.S., and advanced registered nurse
practitioners licensed pursuant to s. 464.012, F.S. or s. 464.0123, F.S. Section 1006.20(2)(c), F.S.
56
Section 1006.20(2)(c), F.S. STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC PAGE: 7
DATE: 2/11/2022
Association about participation in cardiovascular screening.
57
A student is not eligible to participate in any
physical activity relating to interscholastic athletics until the school has received and approved the
medical evaluation results.
58
In recognition of potential risks for student-athletes engaging in athletic competition, the FHSAA is also
required to provide various educational guidelines and to implement safeguards to promote the safety
and well-being of student-athletes. The FHSAA must adopt guidelines to educate coaches, officials,
administrators, student-athletes, and parents about concussions and head injuries and provide protocols
for the immediate removal of student-athletes suspected of sustaining a head injury or concussion from
the activity or competition.
59
The law prohibits a student-athlete who is removed from an activity for a
suspected or sustained concussion from returning to practice or competition until the student provides
the school with written medical clearance from an appropriate health care practitioner.
60
Florida law
requires the FHSAA, or its successor organization, to adopt the NFHS “Official High School Spirit Rules”
as the statewide uniform safety standards for student cheerleaders and spirit groups.
61
Given concerns regarding student-athlete health and high Florida temperatures and humidity, the FHSAA
must provide member schools with a number of safety guidelines and requirements including training
and materials for effective monitoring of heat stress, guidelines for when a cooling zone is required,
62
and
hydration guidelines for student-athletes.
63
Florida law also requires all FHSAA member public schools
to have an operational automated external defibrillator (AED) available in a clearly marked, publicized
location for all athletic contests, practices, workouts, and conditioning sessions.
64
Beginning June 1,
2021, a school employee or volunteer trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an AED must
be present at athletic activities, including competitions, practices, workouts, and conditioning sessions.
65
The FHSAA is also required to establish SMAC, comprised of physicians, other medical professionals,
athletic trainers, and a current or retired coach.
66
SMAC is funded and provided staff support by the
FHSAA.
67
Committee members are appointed by the FHSAA Executive Director and SMAC is required
to meet at least once annually.
68
SMAC reviews the FHSAA’s interscholastic athletic program and makes
recommendations on student-athlete safety and other health-related issues.
69
Other Florida Athletic Associations
Although FHSAA is the largest school athletic association in Florida, other associations are in operation
and oversee their respective member schools’ athletics and interscholastic competitions.
70
These
associations primarily serve private and independent schools but some of the associations’ school
memberships are growing to include more public schools and sanctioned sports that may overlap or differ
57
Id.
58
Id. If a parent objects, in writing, to the medical evaluation based on it being contrary to their religious tenets or practices, then a
student may participate in athletics despite not undergoing the medical evaluation. Section 1006.20(2)(d), F.S.
59
Section 1006.20(2)(j)-(k), F.S.
60
Section 1006.20(2)(l), F.S. Medical clearance must be authorized by a health care practitioner trained in the diagnosis, evaluation,
and management of concussions as defined by the FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Section 1006.20(2)(l), F.S.
61
Section 1006.18, F.S.
62
At minimum, cooling zones must provide immediate availability of cold-water immersion tubs or an equivalent means of rapidly
cooling internal body temperature under the supervision of a trained employee or volunteer. Section 1006.165(2)(a)5., F.S.
63
Section 1006.165(2), F.S.
64
Section 1006.165(1)(a), F.S.
65
Section 1006.165(1)(b), F.S.
66
Section 1006.20(2)(m), F.S.
67
Id.; Policy 19.7.1, FHSAA.
68
Policy 19.7.1-2, FHSAA.
69
Policy 19.7.2, FHSAA.
70
See Sunshine State Athletic Conference, Our Members, https://www.sunshinestateathletics.com/page/show/5114535-our-members-
(last visited Feb. 4, 2022); Florida Independent Christian Athletic Association, Regions & Members, https://ficaa.org/members (last
visited Feb. 4, 2022); Florida Independent High School Athletic Association, School Links, https://fihsaa.org/schools/ (last visited Feb.
4, 2022); Sunshine Independent Athletic Association, https://www.siaa1.com/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022) (click “Member Schools” in
menu). STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC PAGE: 8
DATE: 2/11/2022
from the FHSAA.
71
The overlap between the FHSAA sanctioned sports and the sports offered by other
associations, as well as the sanctioning of new sports formerly unique to a particular association, can
cause membership and oversight questions for schools and athletic associations.
72
For example, prior to
2020, the Sunshine State Athletic Commission (SSAC) was the primary association sanctioning women’s
sand volleyball and running an official league.
73
In June 2020, the FHSAA Board of Directors voted to
recognize
74
sand volleyball as a spring sport beginning in the 2021-2022 school year.
75
This presents
potential conflicts for schools formerly participating in the SSAC sand volleyball league and their
simultaneous memberships in the FHSAA as it relates to eligibility to continue playing in alternative
leagues and retaining FHSAA championship eligibility in other sports.
Because Florida law recognizes the FHSAA as the governing nonprofit organization of athletics in
Florida public schools,
76
other associations operating in Florida may voluntarily implement student-
athlete safety, fair play and governance transparency provisions. However, these other associations
are not required to do so nor is there a statutorily designated mechanism monitoring other associations’
compliance with the provisions specifically required of the FHSAA. There appears to be some variation
among other athletic associations regarding the provisions regarding student-athlete health and
wellness requirements for their respective member schools and student-athletes.
77
These associations
are subject to statutory provisions pertaining to all athletic associations in the state, such as permitting
athletic associations to purchase insurance or self-insure to cover student athletes engaging in
extracurricular activities.
78
Other States’ Multi-Association Formats
Other states have a variety of structures and formats for athletic associations and the governance of
interscholastic athletic competition. At least 12 states have more than one state-based association for
governing high school sports and activities.
79
The rationales for division in governance vary but most are
based on different oversight bodies for athletic competitions in independent schools, private schools, and
public schools.
80
Notably, California and New York employ a federation format, in which sections retain
some autonomy in regulation but still must comply with overarching federation rules and standards.
81
71
See Sunshine State Athletic Conference, About Us, https://www.sunshinestateathletics.com/page/show/5084878-about-us (last
visited Feb. 4, 2022).
72
See Florida High School Athletic Association, https://fhsaa.com/index.aspx (last visited Feb. 4, 2022) (Click “Sports” in menu);
Sunshine State Athletic Conference, Sports, https://www.sunshinestateathletics.com/page/show/5084880-sports (last visited Feb. 4,
2022); Florida Independent Christian Athletic Association, Sports, https://ficaa.org/sports (last visited Feb. 4, 2022); Florida
Independent High School Athletic Association, Sports Offered, https://fihsaa.org/sports/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022.
73
See Adam Regan, FHSAA approves girls wrestling, sand volleyball as varsity sports for 2021-2022 school year, Fort Meyers News-
Press, June 9, 2020, https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/06/09/fhsaa-approves-girls-wrestling-sand-volleyball-
start-2021-2022-school-year/5327586002/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022).
74
The FHSAA defines “recognized sports” as those that must abide by Association bylaws, rules, and contest regulations in regards to
student eligibility and sportsmanship. Bylaw 8.5.1.1, FHSAA. “Sanctioned sports” may be subject to stricter guidelines. Bylaw
8.5.1.2, FHSAA. FHSAA recognized and sanctioned sports may be eligible for Florida High School State Championship Series
dependent upon the FHSAA Board of Directors’ determination. Bylaw 8.7.1, FHSAA.
75
Adam Regan, FHSAA approves girls wrestling, sand volleyball as varsity sports for 2021-2022 school year, Fort Meyers News-
Press, June 9, 2020, https://www.news-press.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/06/09/fhsaa-approves-girls-wrestling-sand-volleyball-
start-2021-2022-school-year/5327586002/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022).
76
Section 1006.20(1), F.S.
77
See Sunshine State Athletic Association, Athletic Participation Form (AP-1) 2020-2021, available at
https://cdn3.sportngin.com/attachments/document/008a-2485169/2021-2022_AP-
1_form.pdf#_ga=2.245701956.1992349238.1642018198-977287549.1642018197 (last visited Feb. 4, 2022); Florida Independent
High School Athletic Association, Florida Independent High School Athletic Association Manual 2020-2021, at 11-16, available at
https://fihsaa.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/fihsaa2.pdf (last visited Feb. 4, 2022); Bylaws 6.1.3.1, 8.1-5, 9.7 and 9.8.1, Sunshine
Independent Athletic Association, available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O03uZ762IB932jXiVO966O6oDagXakQA/view (last
visited Feb. 4, 2022); Florida Independent Christian Athletic Association, 2019-2020 School Year Athletic Manual, at 7, 14-16,
available at https://ficaa.org/manual (last visited Feb. 4, 2022).
78
See Section 1006.16, F.S.
79
Nate Perry, State High School Associations Come in All Shapes and Sizes, National Federation of State High School Associations
(Jan. 14, 2020), https://www.nfhs.org/articles/state-high-school-associations-come-in-all-shapes-and-sizes/ (last visited Feb. 4, 2022).
80
Id.
81
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Texas has four organizations governing private schools’ interscholastic athletics and the University
Interscholastic League, which is primarily comprised of public schools and open enrollment charter
schools.
82
Federal Law Regarding Opening Remarks at Interscholastic Athletic Events
Establishment Clause
The U.S. Constitution prevents the government from establishing religion and protects privately initiated
expression and activities from government interference and discrimination.
83
In order to determine
whether a challenged state statute is permissible under the Establishment Clause, courts apply the
Lemon Test, which requires that the challenged statute have a secular legislative purpose, have a
principal or primary effect that neither advances nor inhibits religion, and avoid excessive government
entanglement with religion.
84
The Supreme Court’s analysis In Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe provides insight to how
the Court applies the Lemon Test when evaluating opening remarks at athletics events on school
premises.
85
The Court held that the school district’s policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayer
over the loudspeaker at high school football games on the school’s property violated the Establishment
Clause.
86
The Court concluded that the pre-game invocations at issue were government speech because
the invocations were specifically authorized by government policy and took place on government property
at government-sponsored, school related events.
87
However, the Supreme Court cautioned that not all
public speech becomes government speech simply because it is made using public facilities at
government sponsored events.
88
Santa Fe school district’s policy failed the Lemon Test because the
Court found the policy did not have secular purpose and advanced certain religion at the expense of other
religions given the narrow speaker selection process and criteria; and entangled the government with
religion given the school district’s specific encouragement of prayer and the history of the policy.
89
Free Speech Clause
Speech is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
90
The government or a
public actor may nevertheless regulate an individual’s freedom of speech within constitutional limits.
91
The First Amendment’s free speech clause restricts government regulation of private speech but does
not regulate government speech.
92
To determine whether speech is government speech or private
speech, courts consider 3 primary factors: the history and tradition of the speech; whether a reasonable
observer could conclude that the government endorses the speech; and whether the government
exercise direct control over the speech.
93
In 2019, the Eleventh Circuit held that the Florida High School Athletic Association’s application of its
Public-Address Protocol
94
prohibiting two schools from using the loudspeaker for a pre-game prayer at
the 2A Florida High School State Championship game may have violated constitutional free speech
protections.
95
The court’s analysis hinged on whether the speech over the loudspeaker was considered
82
Id.
83
See U.S. Const., Amend. 1.
84
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 612 (1971).
85
See Santa Fe Independent Sch. District v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290, 314 (2000).
86
Id. at 317.
87
Id. at 302.
88
Id. See Rosenberger v. Rector, 515 U.S.819 (1995) (holding that the University of Virginia must provide financial subsidy to a
student religious organization on the same basis as other student publications).
89
Santa Fe Independent Sch. District, 530 U.S. at 302-10.
90
U.S. Const., Amend. 1.
91
Int’l Soc’y for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. v. Lee, 505 U.S. 672, 678 (1992).
92
See Pleasant Grove City v. Summum, 555 U.S. 460, 467 (2009).
93
See Pleasant Grove City, 555 U.S. at 460; Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Inc., 135 S. Ct. 2239 (2015);
Mech v. Sch. Bd. of Palm Beach Cnty., 806 F.3d 1070 (11th Cir. 2015).
94
See supra text accompanying notes 33-37.
95
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DATE: 2/11/2022
government or private speech. The court determined that inconsistencies in the record and indications
that the FHSAA allowed prayer over the loudspeaker at past championships suggested the factors of
history and tradition of the speech and the government’s direct control over the speech leaned toward a
potential finding of private speech that warranted further deliberation at the district court level.
96
The ability to regulate private speech on government-owned property is determined, in part, by the
characterization of the type of public forum created.
97
There are three types of public forums: traditional
public forums, limited public forums, and closed public forums.
98
A “traditional” or “open public forum” is
a place with a longstanding tradition of freedom of expression, such as a public park, sidewalk, or street
corner.
99
In an open public forum, the government may only impose content-neutral restrictions on the
time, place, and manner of expression.
100
A limited public forum is a venue opened only for certain
groups or topics.
101
A public actor may regulate the subject area content or categories of organizations
allowed in limited public forums but may not restrict expression based on a favorable or unfavorable
viewpoint of a speaker or organization.
102
Finally, a “closed public forum” is a place that is not
traditionally open to public expression, such as the teacher’s school mailroom or a military base.
Restrictions on speech in a closed public forum may only be reasonable and may not be designed to
silence an unfavorable viewpoint.
103
Florida Law Regarding Opening Remarks at Interscholastic Athletic Events
The Florida Constitution closely replicates the First Amendment’s protections against the establishment
of religion.
104
The scope of the Florida Constitution’s protection of free speech is the same as required
under the First Amendment.
105
Florida law designates the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) as the governing nonprofit
organization for interscholastic competition for grades 6 through 12 in Florida public schools.
106
Any high
school, middle school, or combination school,
107
including charter schools, virtual schools, private
schools, and home education cooperatives,
108
may become a member of the FHSAA.
109
The FHSAA is
96
Id. at 1231.
97
Int’l Soc’y for Krishna Consciousness, 505 U.S. at 678-79.
98
Id.
99
Perry Educ. Ass’n v. Perry Local Educators Ass’n, 460 U.S. 37, 45-46 (1992).
100
Id.
101
Id.
102
Pleasant Grove City, 555 U.S. at 470.
103
Perry, 460 U.S. at 37.
104
Art. 1, s. 3, Fla. Const. See Council for Secular Humanism, Inc. v. McNeil, 44 So. 3d 112, 119 (Fla. 1st DCA 2010) (explaining that
the Florida Constitution’s establishment clause is consistent with the First Amendment and imposes additional restrictions on state
actors through the no-aid provision).
105
Art. 1, s. 4, Fla. Const. See Cafe Erotica v. Fla. Dep’t of Transp., 830 So. 2d 181, 183 (Fla. 1st DCA 2002) (stating that the scope
of free speech protections in the Florida Constitution is the same as the First Amendment).
106
Section 1006.20(1), F.S. If the FHSAA fails to meet its obligations and responsibilities, the Commissioner of Education
(commissioner) is directed to designate a nonprofit organization to manage interscholastic athletics with the approval of the State
Board of Education (SBE). Id.
107
A “combination school” is any school that provides instruction to students in high school and the middle school grades; elementary,
middle or high school grades combined; or elementary and middle grades combined (e.g. K-12; K-8; 6-12; or 7-12). Bylaw 3.2.2.3,
FHSAA.
108
A “home education cooperative” is a parent-directed group of individual home education students that provides opportunities for
interscholastic athletic competition to those students and may include students in grades 6-12. Bylaw 3.2.2.4, FHSAA.
109
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DATE: 2/11/2022
required to adopt bylaws regulating student eligibility, recruiting, and member schools’ interscholastic
competition in accordance with applicable law.
110
Florida law establishes that the FHSAA’s authority to
organize and conduct statewide interscholastic competition includes the potential for state
championships and the FHSAA also has authority to establish terms and conditions for those contests.
111
FHSAA Florida High School State Championship Series
The FHSAA’s Florida High School State Championship Series (State Championship Series) determines
official state champions, among the Association’s member schools, in sports sanctioned or recognized
by the FHSAA Board of Directors.
112
The FHSAA limits participation in the State Championship Series
to schools that are full members of the Association.
113
The FHSAA Board of Directors determines in
which sports
114
a State Championship Series will be offered and establishes the terms and conditions
for the competition series.
115
The FHSAA’s Public Address Protocol applies to all State Championship Series.
116
The public address
announcer must maintain neutrality.
117
The announcer is required to follow the FHSAA script for
promotional announcements, player introductions, and awards ceremonies.
118
The procedure limits
other announcements to:
119
Those of an emergency nature;
Those of a “practical” nature (e.g. a vehicle with lights on);
Teams’ starting lineups or entire lineups’;
Messages provided by host school management;
Announcements about the sale of FHSAA souvenir merchandise;
Players attempting or making a play;
Penalties as signaled by the referee; and
Substitutions and timeouts.
Public address announcers may not provide play-by-play commentary as if announcing a radio or
television broadcast, make comments that offer an unfair advantage to one team, make comments
critical of contest participants, schools, or officials.
120
For regular season events, the FHSAA’s Public Address Protocol states that the public address
announcer must maintain neutrality.
121
The FHSAA encourages schools to abide by the additional
requirements of the Public Address Protocol for the State Championship Series but does not require
compliance for regular season events.
122
Effect of Proposed Changes
110
Section 1006.20(2), F.S.
111
Section 1006.20(4)(d)6., F.S.
112
Bylaw 2.10, FHSAA.
113
Id. The FHSAA must allow private schools the option of maintaining full membership in the Association or membership by sport.
The FHSAA may allow public schools the option of applying for consideration to join another athletic association. Section
1006.20(1), F.S.
114
The FHSAA currently conducts State Championship Series in the following sports: baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive
cheerleading, cross country, flag football, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field,
volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. FHSAA, 2021-2022 FHSAA Administrative Procedures, available at
https://fhsaa.com/documents/2021/8/11//2122_admin_procedures_web.pdf?id=1817.
115
Section 1006.20(4)(d)6., F.S.; Bylaw 2.10, FHSAA.
116
FHSAA, 2021-2022 FHSAA Administrative Procedures, Procedure 3.1.8, at 13, available at
https://fhsaa.com/documents/2021/8/11//2122_admin_procedures_web.pdf?id=1817.
117
Id.
118
Id.
119
Id.
120
Id.
121
FHSAA, 2021-2022 FHSAA Administrative Procedures, Procedure 2.2.1, at 11, available at
https://fhsaa.com/documents/2021/8/11//2122_admin_procedures_web.pdf?id=1817.
122
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Florida Athletic Associations
The bill authorizes the commissioner, with the approval of the SBE, to approve other nonprofit athletic
associations that public schools may join for interscholastic athletic competition. The bill defines
“approved athletic association” as the FHSAA and other nonprofit athletic associations approved by the
commissioner and the SBE. The bill requires nonprofit athletic associations to operate under a contract
with the SBE. Prior to entering into a contract with an association, the SBE must annually review the
associations bylaws, policies, and dues and fees for compliance with the law.
The bill requires all approved athletic associations and their member schools to meet governance, fair
play, and student health and wellness requirements, outlined in ss. 1006.15-1006.19, F.S., which formerly
applied just to the FHSAA. However, no public school may maintain membership in or pay dues or fees
to any athletic association that is not operated in accordance with a contract with the SBE. The bill
provides that the FHSAA and other approved athletic associations are not state agencies as defined in
s. 120.52, F.S. The bill establishes that the bylaws of each approved athletic association in the state are
the rules by which high school athletic programs and member schools are governed, unless statute
specifically provides otherwise.
The bill requires approved athletic associations, whose memberships include public schools, to adopt
bylaws, policies, or procedures that provide schools participating in a high school championship contest
or series, under the direction and supervision of the association, an opportunity to make brief opening
remarks at the event. If requested by the school, a speaker from the school may give remarks, no
longer than 2 minutes, using the public address system at the event. Prior to the opening remarks from
school speakers, the association must make an announcement that the school’s opening remarks are
not endorsed by the association nor do they reflect the views and opinions of the association.
The bill establishes that athletic associations may not control, monitor, or review the content of schools’
opening remarks, nor may the associations control the schools’ choice of speaker.
The bill provides that the decision to allow opening remarks before regular season contests is at the
discretion of each school.
The bill prohibits the FHSAA from unreasonably withholding its approval of an approved athletic
association’s application to become an affiliate member of the NFHS.
School Membership in Approved Athletic Associations
The bill provides that any high school in the state, including private schools, traditional public schools,
charter schools, virtual schools, and home education cooperatives, may become a member of an
approved athletic association. The bill establishes that membership in an association is not mandatory
for any school. The bill requires approved athletic associations to allow any school or cooperative the
option of maintaining full membership or joining by sport. The bill prohibits approved athletic associations
from discouraging any school or cooperative from simultaneously maintaining membership in another
approved athletic association.
The bill also prohibits an approved athletic association from denying or discouraging interscholastic
competition between its member schools and nonmember Florida schools, including the member schools
of another approved athletic association. Approved athletic associations may not take retributory or
discriminatory action against its member schools that participate in competition with nonmember Florida
schools.
Governance & Student Eligibility of Approved Athletic Associations
The bill requires all approved athletic associations to adopt bylaws establishing eligibility for student
participation, prohibiting recruitment of students for athletics purposes, and outlining an appeals process
for athletic recruitment violations and eligibility rulings. Approved athletic associations must also adopt STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC PAGE: 13
DATE: 2/11/2022
bylaws regulating investigations on behalf of the association and establishing sanctions for coaches who
have committed major violations of the association’s bylaws and policies.
The bill provides that approved athletic associations retain jurisdiction over school membership; recruiting
prohibitions and violations; student medical evaluations; investigations; sanctions for coaches; school
eligibility and forfeiture of competitions; student concussions and head injuries; and the general
operational provisions of the association. However, the associations’ implementation of these provisions
may not contradict statutory requirements regarding district school boards’ and charter schools’
responsibilities in determining student eligibility for extracurricular participation.
The bill preserves the following statutorily designated membership structures as solely requirements for
the FHSAA: specified representative composition of the board of directors and establishing and
supporting a public liaison advisory committee. Other approved athletic associations are not required to
comply with these statutorily designated membership structures.
The bill maintains the requirement that the FHSAA establish and support a SMAC. Other approved
athletic associations are required to either rely on the recommendations of the FHSAA SMAC or establish
and support their own SMAC. The membership of all SMACs must align with the requirements set forth
in statute.
Student Extracurricular Activities and Athletics
The bill authorizes an otherwise eligible home education student to participate in interscholastic or
interscholastic activities at any public school in the school district in which the student resides or at any
school they could attend through controlled open enrollment. Similarly, the bill authorizes an otherwise
eligible Florida Virtual School full-time student to participate in interscholastic or interscholastic activities
at any public school in the school district in which the student resides or at any school they could attend
through controlled open enrollment. However, in both cases, the student’s participation is contingent on
the roster for the activity not having reached it maximum size and the coach or sponsor of the activity
determining that the student has the requisite skill and ability to participate.
The bill expands the program governing a private school student’s participation in interscholastic sports.
Any approved athletics association’s program must be designed to permit an otherwise eligible private
school student to participate in sports at any member public school or member private school, as
appropriate for the students grade level. The student’s participation is contingent on the roster for the
sport not having reached it maximum size and the coach determining that the student has the requisite
skill and ability to participate. The bill retains the requirement that the student attend a private school with
125 or fewer students to be eligible for the program.
The bill protects a transfer student’s ability to complete the activities in which they participated prior to
transferring from a public school. When a student participating in an interscholastic or interscholastic
activity transfers from a public school, he or she must be permitted to continue participating in that activity,
at the school from which they transferred, until the end of the school year if:
During the period of participation, the student continues to meet all of the general eligibility
requirements related to grade point average, academic progress, and compliance with codes of
student conduct.
The student continues to meet the same standards of acceptance, behavior, and performance
that are required of other participants, except for enrollment requirements at the school at which
the student participates.
The parents of the student provide transportation to and from the school at which the student
participates.
Student Health and Wellness
The bill requires all approved athletic associations to adopt bylaws adhering to statutory requirements for
pre-participation medical evaluations: mandating that all students planning to participate or participating
in interscholastic athletic competition must pass a medical evaluation each year before engaging in any STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC PAGE: 14
DATE: 2/11/2022
physical activity related to interscholastic athletics (including conditioning, tryouts, practices, and
competition). Approved athletic associations must implement an evaluation and school approval process
that adheres to processes set out in current law.
In recognition of potential risks for student-athletes engaging in athletic competition, the bill requires
approved athletic associations to provide various educational guidelines and to implement safeguards to
promote the safety and well-being of student-athletes. Approved athletic associations must adopt
guidelines and policies to educate coaches, officials, administrators, student-athletes, and parents about
concussions and head injuries and provide protocols governing the removal and re-entry of student-
athletes suspected of sustaining a head injury or concussion from the activity or competition.
The bill requires all approved athletic associations to adopt the NFHS “Official High School Spirit Rules”
as the statewide uniform safety standards for student cheerleaders and spirit groups, if applicable.
All approved athletic associations must also provide member schools with a number of safety guidelines
and requirements including training and materials for effective monitoring of heat stress, guidelines and
requirements for implementing cooling zones, requiring member schools to monitor heat stress and
modify activities accordingly, providing hydration guidelines for student-athletes, and requiring member
schools’ emergency action plans to include student-athlete cooling procedures.
The bill requires all public schools that are members of an approved athletic association to have an
operational automated external defibrillator (AED) available in a clearly marked, publicized location for
all athletic contests, practices, workouts, and conditioning sessions.
B. SECTION DIRECTORY:
Section 1. Amends s. 1006.20, F.S., providing for the approval of athletic associations that meet
certain requirements; providing a definition; requiring certain athletic associations to
operate under a contract with the State Board of Education; requiring the State Board of
Education to annually review specified information of such athletic associations;
providing that private schools and traditional public schools are considered high schools
for specified purposes; prohibiting public schools from maintaining memberships in or
paying dues or fees to certain athletic associations; providing that approved athletic
associations are subject to certain requirements; requiring approved athletic
associations to adopt certain bylaws; requiring approved athletic associations to
establish a certain appeals process; authorizing certain sports medicine advisory
committees to establish specified definitions related to concussions; authorizing certain
approved athletic associations to establish sports medicine advisory committees that
meet certain membership requirements.
Section 2. Amends s. 1006.15, F.S., authorizing home education students, Florida Virtual School
students, and private school students to participate in interscholastic and intrascholastic
activities at certain schools; revising the requirements for such students to participate in
such activities; providing for the continued participation in such activities by certain
students who transfer from a public school; conforming cross-references and provisions
to changes made by the act.
Section 3. Creates s. 1006.185, F.S., requiring certain athletic associations to adopt bylaws,
policies, or procedures allowing opening remarks at specified events; providing
requirements for such remarks; requiring certain announcements before such remarks;
providing that opening remarks at specified events are at the discretion of each school.
Section 4. Amends s. 768.135, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made
by the act.
Section 5. Amends s. 1002.20, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made
by the act.
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Section 6. Amends s. 1002.42, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made
by the act.
Section 7. Amends s. 1006.165, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes
made by the act.
Section 8. Amends s. 1006.18, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made
by the act.
Section 9. Amends s. 1006.195, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes
made by the act.
Section 10. Amends s. 1012.468, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes
made by the act.
Section 11. Amends s. 1012.795, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes
made by the act.
Section 12. Amends s. 1012.796, F.S., conforming cross-references and provisions to changes
made by the act.
Section 13. Provides an effective date.
II. FISCAL ANALYSIS & ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT
A. FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
B. FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
1. Revenues:
None.
2. Expenditures:
None.
C. DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT ON PRIVATE SECTOR:
None.
D. FISCAL COMMENTS:
None.
III. COMMENTS
A. CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:
1. Applicability of Municipality/County Mandates Provision: STORAGE NAME: h0443b.EEC PAGE: 16
DATE: 2/11/2022
None.
2. Other:
None.
B. RULE-MAKING AUTHORITY:
None.
C. DRAFTING ISSUES OR OTHER COMMENTS:
None.
IV. AMENDMENTS/ COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE CHANGES
On January 27, 2022, the Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee adopted a proposed
committee substitute (PCS) as amended and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. The PCS
differs from HB 443 by:
Authorizing a home school and Florida Virtual School student to participate in interscholastic and
interscholastic activities at any school in the school district in which he or she resides or at any school
he or she could attend through controlled open enrollment.
Clarifying that a private school student is authorized to participate in athletics at another private school
that is a member of an association.
Requiring that transfer students be permitted to participate, for the remainder of the school year, in the
activities in which they participated prior to transfer.
Requiring the State Board of Education (SBE) to enter into a contract with each approved athletic
association after reviewing, at least annually, the bylaws, policies, and dues and fees of the association
for compliance with the law.
Prohibiting any public school from maintaining membership in or paying dues or fees to any athletic
association that is not operated under a contract with the SBE.
On February 8, 2022, the Education & Employment Committee adopted two amendments and reported the bill
favorably as a committee substitute. The amendments:
Require that approved athletic associations must either rely on the recommendations of the Florida
High School Athletic Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) or establish their own
SMAC meeting the membership requirements set forth in law.
Require all approved athletic associations, whose memberships include public schools, to adopt
bylaws, policies, or procedures that provide schools participating in a high school championship contest
or series, under the direction and supervision of the association, an opportunity to make brief opening
remarks at the event.
The bill analysis is drafted to the committee substitute adopted by the Education & Employment Committee.