H.J.R. 2

1

RESOLUTION PROMOTING HIGH STANDARDS
2 IN HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
3 1999 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: David Ure
6 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE URGING THAT THE UTAH HIGH
7 SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CONTINUE TO PROMOTE SUPERIOR
8 SPORTSMANSHIP IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS AND EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS.
9 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
10 WHEREAS, participation in high school athletics can lay a positive groundwork for
11 understanding ideals of fair play, determination despite adversity, and working as a unit toward
12 a common goal;
13 WHEREAS, engaging in competitive physical activity that rewards excellence h [ effort ] h
13a and
14 urges improved performance through skills development can leave deep, positive impressions on
15 student athletes and brace them for the challenges of life;
16 WHEREAS, too often the behavior of participants and spectators in high school athletics,
17 whether towards each other or officiators, has become ugly and harsh, tainted by a lack of self
18 control, self respect, h RESPECT FOR OTHERS , h and true team pride;
19 WHEREAS, sportsmanship is an ideal too often mocked in today's society, but it is the key
20 to preserving much of what is good and lasting about high school athletics participation;
21 WHEREAS, living up to the ideal of sportsmanship is a challenge faced not only by student
22 athletes and classmates but also coaches, who often serve as role models and mentors to student
23 athletes, and parents, who in their children's early years set a powerful example of what is
24 acceptable treatment of others;
25 WHEREAS, the use of profane and vulgar language by participants and spectators at
26 athletic contests degrades the game, everyone connected with it, and erodes any feelings of respect
27 on the playing field, on the sidelines, and in the stands;

28 WHEREAS, in order to minimize health and safety risks to student athletes, maintain
29 ethical standards of fair play, and reduce liability risks, school personnel and coaches should never
30 supply, recommend, or permit the use of any drug, medication, or food supplement solely for
31 performance enhancing purposes;
32 WHEREAS, athletes can gain valuable experience in developing discipline and self control
33 as they learn to control their temper and shun the physical and verbal violence so often displayed
34 at other levels of sports competition;
35 WHEREAS, athletics participation, which can supplement and enrich the high school
36 experience, can be harmful if it overshadows the academic mission that makes participation
37 possible;
38 WHEREAS, the kind of discipline that leads to scholastic excellence can also help athletes
39 achieve true sportsmanship, and success in both endeavors should be highly prized by student
40 athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who exerts a significant influence in the life of a high school
41 athlete; and
42 WHEREAS, the members of the State Board of Trustees, acting for the good of the entire
43 state, can exert strong leadership to reestablish the ideal of excellence in academics and
44 sportsmanship:
45 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urge that
46 the Utah High School Activities Association continue to engage in efforts to promote
47 sportsmanship among Utah's high school athletes and all participants and spectators involved in
48 high school athletics.
49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognize the positive influence that
50 participation in high school athletics can have when experienced as a supplement to the mission
51 of education rather than its purpose.
52 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to all 118 member
53 schools of the Utah High School Activities Association.

Legislative Review Note
as of 1-20-99 12:03 PM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel