FRANKFORT, Ky. — Several members of the Kentucky House Republican caucus want the Kentucky High School Athletics Association (KHSAA) to move forward as planned with high school sports in the fall.

In the letter, the group blasted the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) for requesting more guidelines from the KHSAA following its decision last month to allow fall sports.

“Instead of overriding the KHSAA Board of Control’s decision, it appears that the KBE has chosen to move the proverbial finish line, making it virtually impossible for some school districts to meet requirements and therefore placing participation out of reach,” the letter said.

House Speaker David Osborne, House Education Committee Chair Regina Huff, and three other House republican leaders signed the letter.

The letter also praises the KHSAA guidance document for showing “due diligence.” 

A separate letter from KBE members asks the KHSAA to meet immediately and consider seven items, including guidance on coronavirus testing, more information on how the association will respond to a spike in cases and guidance on spectators.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D) defended KBE's request during Wednesday’s coronavirus update.

“If we’re going to play high-touch fall sports at a time when we have the most cases daily by just about any average than we’ve ever had in this virus, you’d think it’s pretty reasonable for a board of education to say, 'what are your specific guidelines and plans to protect the student-athletes,'” Beshear said.

Practice is already underway for schools participating in fall sports and competition for most sports begins next week.