SAN ANTONIO -- Dozens of local coaches, instructors and parents asked lawmakers to alter a bill that could threaten to close down some before and after-school facilities.

Some programs, such as Chuck Rowell's Alamo Gymnastics, could be affected by the language of Senate Bill 68 that would require businesses that train children in dance, gymnastics, martial arts and other programs to register as day care facilities, allowing them to teach for only 10 hours per week and remove equipment that could be harmful.

"First of all, our facility is not a day care facility," said Rowell. "By saying we can only teach 10 hours a week, we've eliminated ourselves from NCAA scholarships."

Rowell said his business trains elite gymnasts for 20-30 hours per week, and much of the equipment in his facility would be considered unsafe for climbing under day care regulations. Unless the bill is altered to exclude skills training facilities, many businesses could close down, Rowell said.

The bill has passed the Senate and is currently in a House committee, according to the Texas Legislature's Web site.