In an effort to address disruptions to education amid the pandemic, the Kentucky senate passed a bill Tuesday that could have some interesting ramifications for high school sports in the state next year.
Senate Bill 128 would allow high school students to request a supplemental school year in 2021-22 to retake and add to coursework already completed. Under this plan, students utilizing the supplemental year would be eligible to participate in KHSAA activities.
Local boards of education would be responsible for approving or denying all requests. Age requirements would still be in place in terms of participating in athletics.
"Does this bill solve all the problems? No. But it gives an option and it gives a choice ... for those that feel like they could benefit from coming back," Senator Max Wise told the Associated Press.
Introduced in early February, the bill was overwhelmingly supported in the senate with a 36-0 vote. It now must pass in the house and ultimately receive sign-off from the governor.
One more year? Some Kentucky high school students could opt to return next year for a fifth year of athletic eligibility under new legislation.
File photo by Wayne Litmer
