The Louisiana House Legislative Study Committee on the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss key governance issues and representation within the organization. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining uniformity in high school sports rules across the United States, particularly through participation in the National Federation of State High School Associations.
During the session, a recommendation was made to assign a representative from Louisiana to the National Federation's Track Coaches Committee Rules Committee, emphasizing the benefits of having a voice in national rule-making processes. The committee aims to ensure that Louisiana's interests are represented, especially in light of states like Texas that operate under different rules for high school football.
The composition of the LHSAA executive board was also a focal point of discussion. The board consists of 28 members, including representatives from various school classifications and legislative bodies. The makeup of the board was examined in terms of gender and racial diversity, revealing that there are currently four to five female members and a few individuals of color. The committee expressed a commitment to improving representation and inclusivity within the board's structure.
Additionally, the meeting addressed term limits for board members, which allow for three consecutive two-year terms. This structure enables the board to refresh its membership regularly while maintaining continuity in leadership.
The discussions underscored the committee's ongoing efforts to evaluate and address concerns raised by stakeholders in the education and sports communities, with a focus on enhancing the governance of high school athletics in Louisiana. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the issues raised and potential recommendations for improvement.