MILITARY FAMILY SPORTS ACT.

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View NCGA Bill Details2021
Senate Bill 231 (Public) Filed Wednesday, March 10, 2021
AN ACT TO REORGANIZE RULES REGARDING THE REGULATION OF INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND TO REQUIRE THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT A RULE TO EXPAND ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS.
Intro. by Lazzara, Sanderson, deViere.

Status: Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate (Senate action) (Mar 11 2021)

Bill History:

S 231

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: Mar 10 2021 - View Summary

    Enacts Article 29E, Interscholastic Athletic Competition, in GS Chapter 115C. Charges the State Board of Education (State Board) with adopting rules governing interscholastic athletic activities conducted by local boards of education, including eligibility for student participation. Allows for the State Board to authorize a designated organization to apply and enforce the Board's rules at the high school level. Requires the State Board to adopt rules to require annual distribution to specified middle and high school employees, first responders, volunteers, and parents and students participating in interscholastic athletic activities of a concussion and head injury information sheet. Requires school employees, first responders, and volunteers to sign the sheet, and students and parents must sign the sheet and return it to the coach before participating. Requires the signed sheets to be maintained by each middle and high school. Requires removal from the activity of any participating student who exhibits signs or symptoms consistent with a concussion for the day. Requires prior evaluation by and written clearance for participation on a subsequent day by a licensed physician, a licensed neuropsychologist working in consultation with a licensed physician, a licensed athletic trainer, a physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner, as described.

    Also requires the State Board to adopt a rule that requires all middle schools and high schools to develop a venue specific emergency action plan to deal with serious injuries and acute medical conditions, as specified. Details minimum plan requirements the rule must include, such as requiring the plan to be in writing, approved by the principal, and reviewed and rehearsed annually.

    Directs the State Board to adopt a rule providing that any child of a military family who transfers into a middle school or high school due to the military service of his or her parent or legal guardian is eligible to participate in interscholastic athletic activities occurring during that semester, even if the student does not meet the minimum course enrollment requirements or has not met the deadline to apply to participate. 

    Makes conforming changes to GS 115C-12(23) regarding the State Board power to adopt rules governing interscholastic athletic activities conducted by local boards, with specified requirements for middle schools and high schools. 

    Applies beginning with the 2021-22 school year.