SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 36
(By Senators Bailey, Unger, Kessler, Fanning, Ross, Oliverio,
Sprouse, McKenzie, Wooton, Bowman, Plymale, Snyder, McCabe,
Anderson, Helmick, Edgell, Minard, Sharpe, Mitchell, Caldwell,
Rowe, Redd, Facemyer, Hunter and Tomblin, Mr. President)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
adequacy of current law in protecting the health and safety of
West Virginia's secondary school and post-secondary student
athletes participating in athletic programs and the
utilization of athletic trainers and other professionals and
paraprofessionals in connection with sports programs in West
Virginia.
Whereas, The Legislature is charged with protecting the public
interest, promoting student health and safety and safeguarding
professional practices; and
Whereas, The state has an interest in the control, supervision
and regulation of middle and junior high school, secondary and
post-secondary school athletic events, as well as in regulating and
monitoring the practice of professions through licensing boards,
which are, in turn, responsible for ensuring the certification of
those professionals practicing in the profession being regulated;
and
Whereas, There is increasing awareness that student athletes
in competitive individual and team sports in which participation
may result in injury are at greater risk of serious injury or death
when athletic trainers and other professionals and
paraprofessionals are not present at practices and games; and
Whereas, It is the desire of the Legislature to determine the
specific risks to, and the needs of, West Virginia's student
athletes and the appropriate use and qualifications for athletic
trainers and other professionals and paraprofessionals to minimize
risk and address those needs; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is
requested to study and evaluate the current risks to our
participating student athletes; the experience of our public
schools; colleges' and universities' management of these risks and
protection of student health and safety; current best practices
with respect to utilizing athletic trainers and other professionals
and paraprofessionals at practices and athletic events; the
desirability of promulgating training and certification standards
for athletic trainers and other professionals and
paraprofessionals; and such other related issues as may arise in
the course of the study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.