Iowa school boards could decide to let eighth graders play high school sports *during the school year* under a bill that’s passed the House. Representative Skyler Wheeler of Hull is the bill’s sponsor and a high school baseball coach. He says a couple of high schools in his area did not have enough players to field basketball teams this past season. Under current rules, 8th graders can play softball and baseball with the high school team over the summer.

The bill passed the House on an 89 to two vote and goes to the senate for consideration. The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association, which governs boys’ sports, have not weighed in on the proposal.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB