State Senator J. Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson), and House Education Instruction Subcommittee Chairman Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) held a press conference on Monday to address the current governance and direction of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). The lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability for the organization that governs high school athletics in Tennessee.
The press conference follows legislative efforts this year to improve fairness for student athletes through Senate Bill 16 / House Bill 25, sponsored by Mr. Lowe and Mr. Cepicky. The legislation was filed this year to ensure that high school athletes can retain eligibility in their sport when transferring schools for valid academic or personal reasons. It passed with overwhelming support in the Senate, but House action was delayed until 2026 to continue discussions.
While the TSSAA updated its transfer policy after the bill was introduced, lawmakers say their experience working with the organization on the legislation this year highlighted a broader concern—parents and student athletes currently have no voice in the governance structure of the organization.
“There are several core values that must guide our efforts when it comes to student athletics,” said Senator Lowe. “Parents deserve a seat at the table, or at the very least, a voice through their elected officials. Student athletes deserve a fair process, including the opportunity for unbiased, third-party reviews of disputes. It's important to remember that athletic programs exist to serve students—not the other way around.”
The TSSAA, a private 501(c)(3) organization governed by appointees from its member schools, was ruled a state actor by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2001. Despite this, lawmakers emphasized the organization functions as a de facto monopoly with little oversight or input from families impacted by its policies.
“TSSAA policies directly affect high school student athletes and families across the state,” said Chairman Watson. “Even though the organization is technically a private entity, its influence over high school athletics requires us, as the legislature, to ensure accountability and fairness for all student athletes.”
“We filed this legislation after two years of inaction by TSSAA on its transfer rules,” said Chairman Cepicky. “Once the bill was introduced, the organization moved to update its policy—proof that legislative engagement works. But the fact remains that families and student athletes should not have to rely on legislation to prompt responsiveness from a governing body. We want to ensure those voices are consistently heard.”
The lawmakers stressed that their goal is not to overhaul day-to-day athletic policies or create open-ended transfer opportunities for student athletes. Instead, they are focused on shifting the TSSAA governance model to be more responsive to parents and lawmakers and prioritize transparency, fairness, and student-centered policies.
“The path forward requires consensus around these core values and a willingness to make high school athletics more student-serving,” Mr. Lowe added. “It’s time we bring real accountability to an organization that impacts thousands of Tennessee families and students.”