The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) is dedicated to promoting the game of basketball in the state of Missouri. Since our founding, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has been a valued partner. The MBCA represents over 1,800 coaches in the state of Missouri, including those from public, private, and charter schools that belong to MSHSAA.
Have there been times when coaches have disagreed with decisions enforced by MSHSAA rules? Of course. Have
there been times when ballot measures that coaches supported have not passed? Yes. But those disagreements
do not change the fact that, in the bigger picture—in the interest of student-athletes and the promotion of
education-based athletics—our organization fully supports the mission of MSHSAA and the executives that lead
the organization.
Why? Because we are MSHSAA.
As coaches in the state of Missouri, we belong to the state association, we are voting members, and we own that
membership proudly. At every playoff and state championship event, you can feel the pride, the emotions, and
the inspiration that communities and schools experience as athletic teams and activity programs unite their
communities. The executives at MSHSAA provides a first-class experience. MSHSAA executives provide the
leadership and guidance that members request, and members vote on the bylaws that the MSHSAA executives
enforce.
MSHSAA provides the educational opportunity and competitive environment in which our athletes may thrive.
Every organization can be improved, but the overwhelming support and opportunity that MSHSAA—a private,
independent, nonprofit organization governed by its members—provides, and has provided for 100 years, stands
unrivaled. This success requires trained educators at the helm. Going after the executives of MSHSAA is also an
attack on its members—the very coaches and school officials who have built and sustained this organization.
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.
The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association stands by MSHSAA and implores our state senators and
representatives to do the same. We ask that you preserve the system in place and listen to the coaches and
school officials in your state. We urge you to vote down SB863 without hesitation.
Missouri Basketball Coaches Association