This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 18-2-25f, which explicitly allows students, coaching staff, and athletic trainers to participate in non-school athletic activities. The legislation emphasizes that while participation in school-sponsored sports is voluntary, individuals associated with school sports teams should not be denied opportunities to enhance or showcase their skills through non-school events.

Furthermore, the bill asserts that prohibiting participation in non-school sponsored events as a condition for being part of a school team is arbitrary and lacks a rational basis related to state interests. It clearly states that county boards of education and the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission cannot impose restrictions on students, coaches, or athletic trainers regarding their involvement in non-school athletic activities while being associated with school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

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