New Jersey Assembly Bill A3332

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sexual assault prevention training program for high school athletic directors and coaches of interscholastic sports programs.

Impact

The implementation of A3332 is expected to provide structured and consistent training to athletic personnel across public and nonpublic high schools in New Jersey. Such training would include instructions on both the prevention of sexual assault and the identification of its signs. Furthermore, the program will inform coaches and athletic directors about available services, such as treatment, counseling, legal, and medical assistance for victims, adhering to the standards set forth by the Attorney General. This initiative seeks to create a safer sporting environment by promoting awareness and preparedness among coaches and directors.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3332 aims to enhance the safety and awareness surrounding sexual assault within New Jersey's interscholastic sports programs. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, to develop a comprehensive training program focused on sexual assault prevention. This program is designed specifically for high school athletic directors and coaches overseeing interscholastic sports, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to identify signs of sexual assault and to provide necessary resources for victims.

Contention

While the bill promotes a proactive approach to address sexual assault in sports, some potential points of contention may arise regarding its implementation and frequency of required training. The legislation stipulates that training must be completed by personnel every four years, with new staff required to undergo training in their first year. This requirement, though necessary for ongoing education, may place additional logistical burdens on schools, particularly smaller institutions that may struggle to allocate resources for recurring training sessions. Additionally, there may be discussions around the sufficiency of the training content and whether the mandated protocols can effectively address the varying needs within diverse school environments.