TALLAHASSEE -- Before the whistle blows and after every victory and defeat, prayer can be a way of putting the game in perspective.

But in public schools, religion is a touchy subject.

It's a fact high school junior John Bielby knows all too well.

“I know our football team prays a lot before and after games, and those are always student-led,” Bielby said. “Once a coach gets involved, it might get more influential or less influential, and it kind of becomes a slippery slope.”

That's why some school districts have regulations requiring coaches walk away when a prayer begins.

There's a bill awaiting Gov. Charlie Crist's signature that would allow coaches, teachers and principals to take part in student-led worship.

Critics said the real issue is as old as the 230-year prohibition on blending church and state.

Even though a teacher wouldn't be allowed to lead a prayer, their very involvement could be a sign that line is being blurred.

Before Rocky Hanna became principal at Leon High School, he coached football for nearly 10 years. He said he always avoided talking religion, fearful about crossing the line between God and government.

“It's very emotional, especially for adults, because part of the Christian faith is, or a big part of it is to try to get others to believe, is that how many people can we save, how many more can we get to follow us to come to Christ,” Hanna said.

The problem for kids who believe in different religions or no religion at all is that kind of pressure can be a lot greater than the challenge of athletic competition.

Gov. Crist has until Friday to approve or veto the school prayer bill.

The bill passed both the House and Senate by comfortable margins.