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H.J.R. 2 Enrolled
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATURE URGING THAT THE UTAH HIGH
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CONTINUE TO PROMOTE SUPERIOR
SPORTSMANSHIP IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS AND EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS, participation in high school athletics can lay a positive groundwork for
understanding ideals of fair play, determination despite adversity, and working as a unit toward
a common goal;
WHEREAS, engaging in competitive physical activity that rewards excellence and urges
improved performance through skills development can leave deep, positive impressions on student
athletes and brace them for the challenges of life;
WHEREAS, too often the behavior of participants and spectators in high school athletics,
whether towards each other or officiators, has become ugly and harsh, tainted by a lack of self
control, self respect, respect for others, and true team pride;
WHEREAS, sportsmanship is an ideal too often mocked in today's society, but it is the key
to preserving much of what is good and lasting about high school athletics participation;
WHEREAS, living up to the ideal of sportsmanship is a challenge faced not only by student
athletes and classmates but also coaches, who often serve as role models and mentors to student
athletes, and parents, who in their children's early years set a powerful example of what is
acceptable treatment of others;
WHEREAS, the use of profane and vulgar language by participants and spectators at
athletic contests degrades the game, everyone connected with it, and erodes any feelings of respect
on the playing field, on the sidelines, and in the stands;
WHEREAS, in order to minimize health and safety risks to student athletes, maintain
ethical standards of fair play, and reduce liability risks, school personnel and coaches should never
supply, recommend, or permit the use of any drug, medication, or food supplement solely for
performance enhancing purposes;
WHEREAS, athletes can gain valuable experience in developing discipline and self control
as they learn to control their temper and shun the physical and verbal violence so often displayed at
other levels of sports competition;
WHEREAS, athletics participation, which can supplement and enrich the high school
experience, can be harmful if it overshadows the academic mission that makes participation possible;
WHEREAS, the kind of discipline that leads to scholastic excellence can also help athletes
achieve true sportsmanship, and success in both endeavors should be highly prized by student
athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who exerts a significant influence in the life of a high school
athlete; and
WHEREAS, the members of the State Board of Trustees, acting for the good of the entire
state, can exert strong leadership to reestablish the ideal of excellence in academics and
sportsmanship:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urge that
the Utah High School Activities Association continue to engage in efforts to promote sportsmanship
among Utah's high school athletes and all participants and spectators involved in high school
athletics.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognize the positive influence that
participation in high school athletics can have when experienced as a supplement to the mission of
education rather than its purpose.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to all 118 member
schools of the Utah High School Activities Association.
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