WHEREAS, coaches are responsible for supporting and protecting their student athletes and treating them with dignity; WHEREAS, there is a power imbalance between coaches and student athletes in which athletes do not have a significant voice; WHEREAS, research shows that people and children perform better in positive, safe, encouraging, and supportive environments; WHEREAS, throwing objects, using obscene language, name-calling, threatening to revoke athletic scholarships, supporting and encouraging eating disorders, and other actions can constitute abuse; WHEREAS, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse degrades student athletes, diminishes student athletes' interest in sports, damages self-esteem, harms mental health, and impacts academic performance; and WHEREAS, student athletes fear retaliation and repercussions from speaking out against abusive practices from coaches: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah recognizes the importance of protecting student athletes and condemns abusive coaching practices in Utah schools. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages Utah schools to create positive environments for student athletes by penalizing abusive coaching practices in school sports. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages school sports teams to incorporate practices to support healthy relationships and mindsets.