SCHSL Amends Rules for Penalties

With bills in the state house and senate aimed at dismantling the organization, S.C. High School League amended its rules over the weekend to ease penalties toward teams self-reporting minor infractions.

Controversy began as No. 1 and undefeated Goose Creek High Gators' football team was disqualified after self-reporting an ineligible player last year. 

SCHSL met over the weekend in the Lowcountry.

The league approved lawmakers' requests to have different levels of violations and penalties, according to Live 5 News. Gator Coach Chuck Reedy described the new rules as "teams will no longer get the death penalty for something like a speeding ticket."

This weekend's vote comes after proposed rule changes by the school district were struck down by the league, and as politicians set their sites on dismantling the group. Sen. Larry Grooms, running for South Carolina First Congressional seat, is one of those who proposed bills. Grooms' bill would revoke the league's charter. 

Mayor Michael Heitzler said Friday he's in favor of the house bill proposed that would remove authority from the league and place it under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education.