Single high school playoff bill rejected

The House of Representatives Monday killed 33-51 a bill that would return Louisiana High School Activities Association athletic playoffs to a single league in which private, parochial and public schools would compete in the same state tournament.
Currently, private and parochial schools, which my admit students and athletes regardless of where they reside, are placed in their own “select” league for playoff. It can give those schools an edge on recruiting athletic talent. Public schools generally have only those players inside their geographic boundaries.
To that end, the LHSAA voted several years ago to break schools into two leagues, the traditional public schools and the “select” private and religious schools. The principals will meet in June 8 to decide whether to continue the double-track competition.
Sponsored by Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, House Bill 863, in effect, force schools back into a single playoff system. Opponents of the measure argued that the Legislature should not be in the business of telling high school activities association.
Notice of reconsideration was given, allowing it the possibility of being brought back to the floor at a later date.