Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — A bill that could pave the way for eighth graders to participate in all high school sports is on its way to the governor.
Representative Henry Stone, a Republican from Forest City, says it would expand on current policy.
The bill directs the Iowa Department of Education to consult with the organizations that oversee Iowa high school athletes and come up with rules for determining how moving eighth graders into fall, winter, and spring sports could work.
Senator Mike Zimmer of De Witt, a retired teacher and coach, opposes the move.
Zimmer says while it could help eighth graders ease into the transition to high school and keep their grades up in order to remain eligible to play, there’s a greater risk of injury when competing against older, bigger students with better skills.
Senator Tom Shipley, a Republican from Nodaway who voted for the bill, says he doesn’t necessarily disagree with Zimmer’s sentiments.
The bill’s original aim is to reduce the time a student who transfers to another school via open enrollment has to sit out before they can participate in varsity sports. Under current law, they must sit out for 90 consecutive school days. Senator Shipley says the bill changes that to 140 calendar days.
If the governor signs the bill into law, the new policy on students who switch schools through open enrollment would take effect August 1st. The policy on eighth graders potential participation in high school sports could take effect on August 1st, too, if rules are in place.
13 states currently allow eighth graders to compete at the high school level during the school year.
KIWA Staff Photo
