West Virginia House Bill HB4713

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22

Caption

To require the athletic associations and sports entities of WV to implement a “Heat and Humidity Practice Policy.”

Impact

If enacted, HB 4713 will lead to significant changes in how outdoor organized athletic activities are conducted within West Virginia. Starting January 1, 2023, athletic associations will be obligated to purchase and use WBGT devices to measure environmental conditions at practice sites. They must document readings every 30 minutes and report athlete acclimatization methods, hydration practices, and treatment of exertional heat illnesses during events. This will impact various entities, including schools and recreational organizations, by formalizing procedures to protect student-athletes and participants against excessive heat exposure.

Summary

House Bill 4713 aims to enhance the safety of athletes in West Virginia by requiring all athletic associations and sports entities to implement a Heat and Humidity Practice Policy. This policy mandates that these organizations adopt guidelines focused on mitigating heat-related risks during outdoor athletic events. The bill highlights the importance of using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) device to monitor environmental conditions and make necessary modifications to practices and competitions based on heat indices.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4713 appears to be generally positive, particularly among advocates for athlete health and safety. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step toward preventing heat-related illnesses and ensuring safe sporting environments. However, some skepticism may arise regarding the financial implications for smaller organizations that may struggle to afford the necessary monitoring equipment.

Contention

While the bill is predominantly supported for its focus on athlete safety, there might be contention regarding the implementation costs and logistics for smaller athletic associations. Concerns about the feasibility of consistently evaluating heat conditions during all practices and competitions could also be raised. Nonetheless, proponents stress that the long-term benefits of fostering safer athletic environments outweigh the immediate challenges of compliance.