TO: Superintendents, Principals, and Athletic Directors
FROM: Dr. Jerome Singleton, Commissioner
SC High School League
SUBJECT: Legislative Bill H.4163 and Its Impact on the SCHSL
DATE: March 10, 2025
Greetings,
I am writing to inform you about a significant legislative development that could greatly
affect the future of high school athletics in South Carolina. On March 6, 2025, a bill—
H.4163—was filed in the South Carolina state legislature, proposing the dissolution of the
South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) and the establishment of a new state
athletics association. This proposed legislation, if passed, would fundamentally change
the governance structure of high school athletics in our state. A copy of the Bill is attached.
Also attached is a summary of the Bill and some talking points to share with your
legislators when speaking against the Bill.
Key Provisions of Bill H.4163:
1. Abolition of the SCHSL: The bill seeks to dissolve the SCHSL and replace it with
a newly created state athletics association.
2. State Control of Governance: The governance of the new athletics association
would be controlled by a committee appointed by the state legislature. This
committee would replace the existing self-governing structure where member
schools have a say in decision-making.
3. Loss of Local Control: Member schools would lose their ability to self-govern as
part of the association, with oversight and decision-making now in the hands of the
appointed committee.
This proposed bill is a drastic departure from the current system, where member schools
have a voice in the decisions that shape the athletic experience for student-athletes
across South Carolina. The bill raises concerns about reducing local autonomy and the
potential impact on the quality and fairness of high school sports.
Call to Action:
I strongly encourage all member schools to take immediate action to protect the rights
and interests of our students, athletes, coaches, and school communities. We ask that
you contact your respective legislators to express your opposition to Bill H.4163.
Specifically, we recommend that you:
1. Reach out to your legislators to clearly voice your concerns about the potential
loss of local control over high school athletics.
2. Explain how self-governance by member schools has been crucial in creating a
fair and competitive environment for student-athletes and maintaining the integrity
of high school sports.
3. Highlight the benefits of the current system in which the SCHSL allows schools
to collaborate, make decisions collectively, and prioritize the best interests of
students.
You must act quickly to ensure our voices are heard in the legislative process. Please
urge your school community—teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and student-
athletes—to join in this effort and stand together in opposition to this bill.
Conclusion:
This bill represents a significant shift in how high school athletics could be governed in
South Carolina, and it is essential that we act now to preserve the autonomy of our
schools and the integrity of our athletic programs. Your involvement is crucial to ensuring
that our collective voice is heard and that we protect the future of high school athletics in
South Carolina.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
