South Carolina H 4743: Lancaster 6U All-Stars

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 4743 Text of Previous Version (Dec. 17, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 4743

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 
59-63-67 SO AS TO REQUIRE CERTIFICATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL STRENGTH AND 
CONDITIONING COACHES, TO ESTABLISH CERTIFICATION STANDARDS, REQUIRE 
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, AND ESTABLISH OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE 
PROCEDURES, among other things.

Be it enacted by the 
General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Article 1, Chapter 63, Title 59 of the S.C. Code is 
amended by adding:

 Section 
59-63-67. (A) The purpose of this 
section is to ensure that all public school athletic strength and conditioning 
programs are conducted safely, effectively, and consistently to 
student-athletes in public schools in this State to promote injury prevention, 
performance development, and equitable access for student-athletes.

 (B)(1) Any individual designated as a 
strength and conditioning coach by a public school or school district must be 
certified through a nationally recognized strength and conditioning program. 
This requirement applies to any person primarily responsible for developing, 
supervising, or leading strength and conditioning workouts.

 (2) 
If a school does not formally designate a strength and conditioning coach, any 
individual who conducts strength and conditioning workouts must hold such 
certification, except for individuals who conduct conditioning activities 
solely as part of regular sport practices.

 (3) 
For purposes of meeting the requirement in items (1) and (2), an individual 
must hold:

 (a) the 
National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) High School Strength 
Coach Certification (HSSCC); or

 (b) 
another similar nationally recognized strength and conditioning certification 
designated by the State Department of Education.

 (4) 
In designating acceptable certifications under item (3)(b), the department 
shall consider whether the credential:

 (a) 
establishes a recognized professional standard for interscholastic strength and 
conditioning;

 (b) 
aligns training with the developmental needs of student-athletes; and

 (c) 
promotes research-based, consistent, and safe training practices across 
schools.

 (C)(1) A public school is eligible to 
receive any state-funded or district-funded athletic supplement designated for 
a strength and conditioning coach only if it employs at least one individual 
with a current, verifiable certification meeting requirements in subsection 
(B).

 (2) 
Certification must be active before any supplement is authorized or disbursed.

 (3) 
Schools without a certified strength and conditioning coach are not eligible 
for the supplement.

 (4) 
Schools may designate personnel to obtain the required certification; however, 
no supplement may be issued until certification is complete.

 (D)(1) The department shall, subject to 
appropriation, provide professional development funding to support required 
certification.

 (2) 
Funds may be used for:

 (a) 
the designated strength and conditioning coach at each public high school; and

 (b) 
any coach assigned to teach weight training, strength training, or 
sport-specific physical education courses.

 (3) 
The department shall publish procedures for reimbursement, documentation, and 
allowable expenses.

 (E) To 
implement the provisions of this section:

 (1) 
each public high school shall employ or designate at least one staff member to 
serve as a certified strength and conditioning coach;

 (2) 
individuals currently serving in this role at the time of enactment must obtain 
a qualifying certification within two months of assignment, or within a 
timeline established by the State Board of Education not to exceed six months; 
and

 (3) 
the department shall provide resources and guidance to assist schools in 
obtaining and maintaining certification.

 (F) 
Regarding oversight and compliance of the provisions of this section:

 (1) 
each district athletic director shall maintain a record of certified strength 
and conditioning personnel assigned to each school;

 (2) 
certification status must be reviewed annually as part of the district's 
athletic compliance process and reported to the department; and

 (3) 
schools must ensure timely certification renewal and report any staff changes 
affecting compliance.

 (G) A 
certified strength and conditioning coach shall:

 (1) 
implement safe, structured, and progressive training programs;

 (2) 
prioritize injury prevention and long-term athletic development;

 (3) 
provide equitable training opportunities for all sports and genders;

 (4) 
supervise all training environments and ensure equipment safety; and

 (5) 
coordinate with head coaches to m