New invoice would require money be accepted at highschool sports activities occasions in NC

By Nick Stevens, HighSchoolOT managing editor

Raleigh, N.C. — A brand new invoice filed within the North Carolina State Home would require colleges to simply accept sure types of fee in any respect highschool athletic occasions.

Home Invoice 38, “Entry Fees for HS Interscholastic Events,” would require all colleges to simply accept money as a type of fee at highschool occasions. As well as, it could require a Tar Heel Card for senior residents cardholder be admitted to a highschool athletic occasion freed from cost.

The invoice was filed within the State Home on Tuesday by Rep. A. Reece Pyrtle Jr. (R-Rockingham). It has additionally been sponsored by Rep. Jason Saine (R-Lincoln), Rep. Ben T. Moss Jr. (R-Moore), Rep. Charles W. Miller (R-Brunswick), and Rep. Jarrod Lowery (R-Robeson).

HighSchoolOT has contacted Rep. Pyrtle and the N.C. Excessive Faculty Athletic Affiliation for remark.

“When an admission payment is charged to an interscholastic athletic exercise, money shall be accepted as a type of fee for admissions on the time of the occasion,” the invoice says.

The invoice wouldn’t stop colleges from utilizing digital ticketing corporations, however it could require colleges to additionally permit for money funds.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic, many excessive colleges have moved to digital ticketing methods, typically occasions requiring attendees to buy tickets by way of a cellular app. Whereas this will help streamline the method for athletic directors and folks working the admission gate, it has raised issues for some followers.

Over the previous couple of years, lengthy strains have been skilled the place followers had been buying tickets in line. There may be points with connectivity at some colleges as effectively. As well as, older adults attendees might not have suitable telephones.

The second level within the invoice addresses older adults particularly. If handed, HB 38 would require colleges to permit free admission to anybody holding a Tar Heel Card for senior residents issued by the Division of Well being and Human Companies.

If the invoice is handed, it could go into impact for the 2023-2024 faculty 12 months.