The Georgia High School Association has proposed the adoption of a spring football game for high school football that will be voted on later this month.
The proposed bylaw would allow a team to play a game against another school in place of its tenth spring practice. The rule would take effect beginning in 2017.
The GHSA executive committee will vote on the proposal April 18 at the GHSA State Executive Meeting held in Macon, Ga.
"I think it would be a great change," newly hired Grayson head coach Jeff Herron told 11Alive.
Herron said Georgia used to have spring football games, and the game can be a big opportunity for players to get noticed by colleges.
"Florida does it that way and at some schools you might see 30-40 college recruiters in attendance," Herron said. I know because I would usually watch someone play each spring."
Lassiter head coach Jep Irwin noted Alabama also does spring football games and that it is not just beneficial for the school.
"It was a definite benefit for player development," Irwin said.
"I would love to be able to play a scrimmage game with another school during the spring," Kell head coach Derek Cook.
Cook cited additional revenue for the school and additional excitement for players, coaches and fans by having an opponent in the spring as good outcomes if the rule is to be approved. Herron and Irwin expressed similar positive outcomes.
As of now, spring football practices are allowed to begin February 1. At any time between that date and the end of the school year, teams can practice for 10 calendar days. Team's already are able to contractually enter into at least one scrimmage game in the preseason in August. They are eligible for two scrimmages if they opt out of their spring practices.
Here are other notable proposed rule changes across GHSA:
-Creation of state competitions for swimming
-Reinstatement of slow-pitch softball as a varsity-only, state-championship sport
-Banning drones from any GHSA sanctioned event
-Limiting cheerleading outfits only to be the traditional skirt and top.
To see all the proposed changes, click here.
