The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-2-25f, which allows students, coaches, and athletic trainers to participate in non-school-sponsored athletic events and teams without facing restrictions from their school-sponsored teams. The legislation emphasizes that participation in school-sponsored extracurricular sports is voluntary and that no individual should be denied opportunities to enhance their skills due to their association with a school team. It also states that county boards of education and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission cannot impose restrictions on participation in non-school-sponsored activities as a condition for being part of a school-sponsored team.

However, the bill does allow interscholastic coaches to prohibit players from missing team-related activities, such as games or practices, if they are competing in non-school-sponsored events. Additionally, it establishes that the requirements of the interscholastic team, as determined by the coach, must be prioritized leading up to and during postseason play. This ensures that while students have the freedom to engage in outside competitions, the integrity and commitment to the school team remain intact during critical periods of the athletic season.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-25f
Committee Substitute: 18-2-25f