Connecticut House Bill HB05287

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/20
• Refer: 2/24/20

Caption

An Act Requiring Exertional Heat Illness Education Training For Coaches.

Impact

The bill will amend existing regulations related to schools' athletic programs, requiring local and regional education boards to implement a comprehensive exertional heat illness education plan. This initiative is intended to mitigate the health risks faced by student athletes, particularly during high temperature athletic events. By providing structured informed consent forms and annual training, the bill aims to foster a safer environment for student participation in sports, potentially reducing incidents of exertional heat illness and promoting overall athlete well-being.

Summary

House Bill 05287 aims to enhance the safety of student athletes in intramural and interscholastic athletics by requiring coaches to undergo training in recognition and prevention of exertional heat illness. This legislation mandates initial training for coaches on recognizing the symptoms and treatment protocols related to exertional heat illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The training is set to be implemented starting from the school year commencing July 1, 2021, ensuring that all coaching staff is adequately prepared for the potential risks associated with physical activites in hot conditions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing critical health concerns among young athletes, it has also faced some contention regarding the extent of training requirements for coaches. Some stakeholders argue that the additional training may burden coaches, particularly in small or under-resourced programs. Others emphasize the necessity of this training as a fundamental aspect of ensuring athlete safety and preparedness, arguing that the risks associated with exertional heat illness warrant robust preventive measures to be in place within all athletic programs.