By Dana Hess
For the S.D. NewsMedia Association
PIERRE — A bill that is awaiting Gov. Larry Rhoden’s signature may have future implications for the South Dakota High School Activities Association.
SB 219, passed by both the S.D. House and Senate, would require all school-affiliated events to accept cash for admittance. Those that don’t must admit for free spectators who show up with cash if there is space available.
SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos explained at Wednesday’s board meeting that the association currently accepts cash at all of its state events. His concern was if a private venue like the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls or the Monument Center in Rapid City decides to go cashless.
“We’re going to have to scramble,” Swartos said, if one of the venues that hosts the association’s biggest events decides to go cashless. “It (the law) would apply to private businesses that we have no control over.”
Swartos said there are fraud and security issues concerning state events that accept cash. He said at the State B basketball tournament the association hires a security guard because of the amount of cash involved.
