Requires that all softball and baseball dugouts used for high school interscholastic athletics be enclosed. (8/1/18) (EG INCREASE LF EX See Note)
Impact
The bill's provisions will affect all public schools and non-public schools receiving public funds that host high school baseball and softball events. The changes will require schools to invest in the construction or renovation of dugouts to comply with the new enclosure guidelines. Advocates for the bill argue that such measures are necessary for athlete safety, illustrating a commitment to protecting students involved in competitive sports.
Summary
Senate Bill 311, known as the Angelle Trahan Act, mandates that dugouts used in high school baseball and softball athletic events must be enclosed by October 1, 2018. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance player safety by preventing batted or thrown balls from entering the dugout area unimpeded. By implementing these requirements, the bill aims to provide a safer environment for players in high school interscholastic athletics, thereby promoting the overall welfare of young athletes participating in these sports.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 311 appears largely positive among those who support enhanced safety measures for young athletes. School officials, coaches, and parents have expressed approval for the initiative, citing the importance of safeguarding students during sporting events. However, some concerns were raised regarding the financial burden of construction and compliance on schools, particularly in areas with limited funding.
Contention
While the bill was aimed at improving safety, the main point of contention seems to revolve around the potential financial implications for schools that will need to raise funds or allocate resources to make the required adjustments to their facilities. Additionally, some stakeholders debated the effectiveness of the safety measures proposed and questioned whether such an investment would result in a significant decrease in injuries related to the sport.
Allows automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in high schools that participate in interscholastic athletics under certain circumstances (EG1 SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Provides relative to eligibility of certain home study students to participate in interscholastic athletics at secondary schools that are members of the LHSAA (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)
Prohibits certain schools from being a member of any interscholastic extra-curricular athletic association or organization that does not provide for third-party arbitration of eligibility issues. (gov sig)
Prohibits public high school participation in interscholastic athletics regulated by any association that discriminates among schools based on school admissions criteria in classifying schools into divisions for competition
Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.
Allows public schools to let certain students not enrolled in school participate in high school interscholastic athletics; allows public high schools in same district to enter into cooperative sports programs under certain conditions.
Prohibits certain schools from being members of any interscholastic extracurricular athletic association or organization that does not have certain persons as members of its executive committee. (gov sig) (Item #42)