The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced its compliance and implementation strategy following the passage of Senate Bill 63.
MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad sent a letter (view here) to all member schools on July 15.
In summary, effective August 28, 2025, this new law expands participation opportunities to full-time home school, full-time Family Paced Education (FPE), and full-time virtual school students with the public or charter school which serves the place they live. The law applies to a broad scope of athletics, fine arts, and integrated co-curricular activities, not just those governed by MSHSAA.
MSHSAA will refer to students who are eligible and choose to participate under Senate Bill 63 as resident participant students.
To align with Senate Bill 63, MSHSAA member schools will implement by-law changes via a Special Ballot, which will be open to them from August 11-22. Full rule changes will take effect August 25, upon ballot certification.
“To remain aligned with Missouri law, MSHSAA member schools must approve the Special Ballot,” Dr. Rukstad said. “This is not a matter of preference but of legality. Member schools are strongly encouraged to accept the by-law changes to ensure uninterrupted, equitable access to interscholastic athletics and activities and protect student eligibility.”
MSHSAA will allow relief for resident participant students from current by-laws for early participation to coincide with the beginning of the fall sports season.
