The bill H. 5311 aims to establish a separate state championship playoff bracket specifically for charter schools participating in interscholastic athletics in South Carolina. It introduces Section 59-40-53 to the South Carolina Code of Laws, which mandates that charter schools compete exclusively in this separate playoff bracket and outlines the eligibility, ranking, and seeding procedures for these schools. To qualify for the charter school state championship, schools must participate in a region schedule and meet the minimum contest requirements set by the South Carolina High School League. The bill also details a uniform postseason ranking formula that considers winning percentages and opponents' performance to determine seeding.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 59-40-50 to ensure that charter schools are eligible for various interscholastic leagues and competitions, while also adhering to the new provisions regarding postseason playoffs. The South Carolina High School League is tasked with implementing rules to ensure uniformity in the application of these changes, which will take effect following the next reclassification cycle after July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
03/04/2026: 59-40-53, 59-40-50
Latest Version: 59-40-53, 59-40-50