SUMMARY:

Requires the Georgia High School Association to allow high schools to have the option of competing in higher or lower classification levels, if the average round trip distance between that high school and its opponents in its assigned region classification exceeds 200 miles.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prohibits high schools who receive QBE funds from participating in or sponsoring interscholastic competition administered by a high school association unless the association meets criteria related to the average distance required for travel to region athletic competitions.
• When a high school is placed in a region classification in which the average round trip distance between that high school and its opponents in such region classification exceeds 200 miles, the athletic association shall  permit such high school, upon reasonable notice to the athletic association, to have the option of competing in the next lower or higher classification level which results in the average round trip distance between that high school and its region opponents being 200 miles or less.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• Appears to apply only to athletic competitions.
• This bill is unnecessary because at the August, 2008 meeting, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Executive Committee passed an "isolation policy" that is identical to the provisions in HB 161, and it will be effective at the beginning of the next reclassification cycle in 2010.
• To implement the provisions immediately -- as the bill calls for -- would mean existing contracts between some GHSA members could not be honored.
• Does not apply to private schools who are members of athletic associations.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon approval of the Governor or by becoming law without such approval.