Missouri Basketball Coaches Association throws support behind MSHSAA against Senate Bill 863

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri high school basketball coaches are throwing their support behind the state association against a Senate bill that would give the association's oversight to the state government.

The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association sent out a statement Monday standing in support of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

"Educators and the executives at MSHSAA need to operate this organization, not politicians who will not understand the impact of policies on student-athletes regarding education-based activities and athletics, eligibility standards, competitive balance, safety, and opportunities for character growth on and off the court. This is a troubling precedent for state interference in other long-standing organizations."

You can find the full statement here.

Senate Bill 863, sponsored by Republican State Senator Jason Bean (MO-25), would allow the Governor to create a board of directors that would be established within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

MSHSAA has been vocal in its frustration with the proposed bill. 

"If our members want to contain control over their independent, voluntary, non-profit association, you must engage in this fight," Executive Director Jennifer Rukstad said.

Rukstad released a four-minute video last week explaining her concerns and opposition to the proposed Senate bill.

There are 724 member schools in MSHSAA. 

KQ2 reached out to Senator Rusty Black and Senator Tony Luetkemeyer for a comment last Thursday afternoon and has not heard back as of Tuesday morning