Tennessee House Bill HB0457

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Refer: 4/12/23
• Engrossed: 4/18/23
• Enrolled: 4/25/23
• Passed: 5/11/23
• Chaptered: 5/19/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49; Title 62, Chapter 50 and Title 68, relative to youth sports safety.

Impact

This legislation specifically affects youth sports programs, particularly those involving participants aged 14 and younger. Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, both public and private educational institutions are required to implement specific safety standards for coaches and volunteers actively involved in school athletic activities. These changes aim to improve the safety and well-being of young athletes across Tennessee, promoting a safer sporting environment within schools.

Summary

House Bill 0457 aims to enhance safety standards for youth sports activities in Tennessee by amending provisions related to training and emergency response protocols. The bill mandates that local education authorities (LEAs) and public charter schools encourage all coaches to complete annual training in physical conditioning and the proper use of training equipment. Additionally, it establishes requirements for emergency action plans to ensure organized and rehearsed responses to potential emergencies during youth sports events.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 0457 has been supportive, as many recognize the importance of safety in youth sports. Advocates view the bill as a necessary step towards preventing injuries and ensuring that coaches are well-prepared to handle emergencies. However, there may be some concerns regarding the enforceability of the training requirements and whether schools and organizations can adequately provide the necessary resources and training programs.

Contention

While the intent of the bill is clear in promoting safety, some points of contention may arise regarding the burden of compliance on smaller organizations and resource-strapped schools. As it mandates training for all coaches and volunteers, questions about the availability of training programs and financial implications for implementation may complicate discussions. Ensuring that remote and less-funded areas are not disproportionately affected will be crucial for the successful roll-out of the bill.