The Missouri State Fair coincides with practice for high school students who participate in extra-curricular activities. State representative Mike Lair (R- Chillicothe) says students must choose whether they’ll miss practice to attend the fair or other activities.
Rep. Mike Lair (R-Chillicothe) Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications.
“We’re at a point in our history especially where we’re not asking kids to make decisions or parents. We’re saying every kid ought to be able to do everything. That’s just not the way it should work. It can’t work that way. To try and absolve all children from all decisions is something you just can’t do. It just won’t fit,” says Lair.
He’s responding to a legislative committee hearing Tuesday about how the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s (MSHSAA) practice calendar affects tourism, including the State Fair.
“There’s no reason we should make any kind of a rule that makes them reserve their start until after that State Fair,” says Lant.
Tuesday’s hearing was held at the Missouri capitol in Jefferson City.
Lair’s district includes part of northwest Missouri.
MSHSAA includes nearly 600 Missouri member schools. Executive Director Kerwin Urhahn says more than 173,000 Missouri students participate in high school sports. He says another 100,000 students participate in activities like choir, theatre and band.