TALLAHASEE, Fla. – Major changes could be coming to high school sports and opponents are worried a free agency market has opened up for players.
The Senate is expected to take up their version of the bill later this week.
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The landscape of high school sports could change if House legislators get their way. A bill that could eventually eliminate the Florida High School Athletics Association passed overwhelmingly.
It would also allow kids to go to a school of their choice if their current school doesn't offer a certain sports program.
Rep. Kevin Rader voted no because he said it created free agency. He referenced Brandon, Florida's 34-year high school wrestling winning streak that was achieved with homegrown talent.
"They were the best wrestling program in the state starting when they were young and that's what we should be doing with student athletes, not trying to get them to switch schools," Radar said.
The bill's sponsor downplayed the fears.
"This effects very, very few kids because we're talking about small schools with no athletic programs that this would allow kids to participate at another school," said Rep. Manny Diaz. "Once they go to that other school, that's their school of record."
The bill could also help families who have kids playing sporting events over multiple days. The bill gives fans the option to buy multi-day tickets instead of spending money each game.
"You could imagine a family of four or five going to watch a sibling could end up paying over $100 just to watch a son or brother or sister play," Diaz said.
The Florida High School Athletic Association responded to the bill in a statement, saying the bill trumps academics with athletics and tosses fair play to the side.