SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 56

(By Senators Prezioso, Unger, Edgell, Guills, Hunter, Jenkins, Ross, Rowe and Weeks)

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[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources; reported March 6, 2003.]

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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 and post-secondary student athletes participating in athletic programs, the utilization of athletic trainers and other professionals and para- professionals in connection with sports programs in West Virginia and otherwise protecting the public interest.

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 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 a greater risk of serious injury or death when athletic trainers and other professionals and para- professionals 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 para-professionals 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 hereby requested to study the adequacy of current law in protecting the health and safety of West Virginia's secondary and post-secondary student athletes participating in athletic programs, the utilization of athletic trainers and other professionals and para- professionals in connection with sports programs in West Virginia and otherwise protecting the public interest; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is also requested to study and evaluate: The current risks to our participating student athletes; the experience of our public schools, colleges and universities in managing these risks and protecting student health and safety; current best practices with respect to utilizing athletic trainers and other professionals and para-professionals at practices and athletic events; the desirability of promulgating training and certification standards for athletic trainers and other professionals and para- professionals; and such other related issues as may arise in the course of this study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, 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.