Urges and requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to establish and sanction the competitive sport of tournament bass fishing.
If sanctioned, SCR22 would expand the array of competitive sports recognized by LHSAA, which currently oversees numerous athletic championships. This move would provide students with an additional platform to engage in interscholastic competition, thereby promoting not only fishing as a sport but also potentially enhancing student engagement and school spirit. The favorable reception of this resolution among the state lawmakers reflects a belief in the educational and community benefits derived from such inclusivity in high school athletics.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 22 (SCR22) urges the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to establish and sanction the competitive sport of tournament bass fishing. This resolution reflects an acknowledgment of the cultural significance of fishing in Louisiana and the growing interest among high school students in participating in bass fishing competitions. The language of the resolution highlights that many students already engage in bass fishing both recreationally and competitively, indicating a demand for formal recognition of the sport at the high school level.
The overall sentiment regarding SCR22 appears to be positive, with unanimous support in the Senate, where it received a vote of 30 to 0. Lawmakers recognize the importance of culturally resonant activities in schools and the benefits they provide for student development. There are no recorded opposition points regarding this resolution, indicating a consensus around the necessity and fairness of including bass fishing as a sanctioned sport in the state.
Notably, while the bill does not face direct opposition, its passage implies a longer-term discussion regarding the inclusion of various competitive sports in educational settings. Future debates could arise around resource allocation for fishing programs and the sustainability of such sports under LHSAA oversight. Nonetheless, SCR22 sets a precedent for recognizing less traditional sports, potentially paving the way for further discussions on the expansion of sanctions in high school athletic activities.