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Florida is poised to dramatically reshape high school athletics in its state after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill allowing booster clubs to directly compensate coaches, according to James Call of the USA TODAY NETWORK–Florida.
The measure, sponsored by Reps. Shane Abbott and Adam Anderson and carried in the Senate by former Florida State star Corey Simon, loosens long‑standing restrictions on booster spending and lets districts classify coaches as administrative personnel.
Supporters say the change will help Florida compete with neighboring states, where top high school football coaches routinely earn six‑figure salaries. Opponents, including Rep. Robin Bartleman, warn it will deepen inequities between wealthy and low‑income schools and potentially violate federal protections against sex‑based discrimination.
Abbott countered that the bill simply formalizes practices already happening and could boost small rural programs. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled support for the measure, which passed the House 104–6.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Booster clubs could pay coaches in Florida after bill passes
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The measure, sponsored by Reps. Shane Abbott and Adam Anderson and carried in the Senate by former Florida State star Corey Simon, loosens long‑standing restrictions on booster spending and lets districts classify coaches as administrative personnel.
Supporters say the change will help Florida compete with neighboring states, where top high school football coaches routinely earn six‑figure salaries. Opponents, including Rep. Robin Bartleman, warn it will deepen inequities between wealthy and low‑income schools and potentially violate federal protections against sex‑based discrimination.
Abbott countered that the bill simply formalizes practices already happening and could boost small rural programs. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled support for the measure, which passed the House 104–6.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Booster clubs could pay coaches in Florida after bill passes
Continue reading...
