Louisiana High School Sports In Limbo As Reform Debate Continues

The state of high school sports in Louisiana is currently in limbo as lawmakers and school administrators continue to debate on House Bill 863. If passed, the legislation would forbid government-subsidized schools from joining an athletic organization that favors postseason splits.

The goal of the bill is for Louisiana to revert back to its previous postseason model, which pits private and public schools alike in marquee championship matches. Under the current setup, athletic organizations have split private and public school teams to lessen the dominance of private schools who could recruit top-tier players, The Advocate reported.

In the case of high school football, playoffs are divided between contests for chartered schools, public schools, laboratory schools and private schools. Meanwhile, postseason split for baseball, softball and basketball will be implemented next year.

Opposition to the postseason splits claimed it bogged down championship matches as well as diminishes the spirit of high school competition. "I would really rather not run with the bill at all," said state representative Kirk Talbot. "I would hope that they would solve this thing and we wouldn't have to take this route."

Forbes reported that Talbot's hometown of River Ridge is the site of John Curtis Christian Schools. The institution has one of the state's finest athletics program. Its dominance helped instigated the split, a move the school has emphatically opposed.

As of the moment, talks regarding the passage of House Bill 863 have stalled. Eddie Bonine, the director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, said most of the schools administrators who joined the debates are still on spring break.

"We were caught off guard by the fact that it (House Bill 863) would go to the House floor as quickly as it was supposed to," Bonine admitted. "But it's important for the committee to meet, discuss and understand the possible intended and unintended consequences this legislation could bring."

The controversy has since sparked rumors of a new athletics organization being formed. Reportedly, this one will be predominantly composed of private schools who want to break away from the LHSAA.