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H.J.R. 2 Enrolled

                 

RESOLUTION PROMOTING HIGH STANDARDS

                 
IN HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

                 
1999 GENERAL SESSION

                 
STATE OF UTAH

                 
Sponsor: David Ure

                  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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