New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1363

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sensitivity training program for high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials of interscholastic athletic sports programs.

Impact

If enacted, A1363 will significantly impact the training protocols for athletic personnel in public and nonpublic high schools. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association will be required to mandate that all coaches and athletic directors complete this training program every four years. New hires will have to finish the program within their first year, ensuring that all returning personnel remain current with sensitivity training. This change is seen as a proactive effort to improve inclusivity and understanding among those involved in interscholastic sports.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1363 proposes the establishment of a sensitivity training program aimed at high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials involved in interscholastic sports programs in New Jersey. This bill tasks the Commissioner of Education with the development of a comprehensive training curriculum that addresses critical topics such as gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, religious tolerance, unconscious bias, and overall diversity and inclusion. The aim is to foster a more respectful and understanding environment in high school athletics.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing important social issues, there may be concerns about the implementation and oversight of such a program. Opposition may arise regarding the resources required for training and the logistics of certifying trainers and sport officials. Additionally, discussions on the appropriateness and adequacy of the program's curriculum could emerge, as stakeholders might have differing views on what constitutes effective sensitivity training in the diverse landscape of New Jersey’s public education system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A2593

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sensitivity training program for high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials of interscholastic athletic sports programs.

NJ S3043

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sensitivity training program for high school athletic directors, coaches, and sports officials of interscholastic athletic sports programs.

NJ A963

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sexual assault prevention training program for high school athletic directors and coaches of interscholastic sports programs.

NJ S3289

Directs Commissioner of Education to develop sexual assault prevention training program for high school athletic directors and coaches of interscholastic sports programs.

NJ A2554

Requires certain athletic trainers and certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete student-athlete eating disorder training program developed by Commissioner of Education.

NJ S3297

Requires certain athletic trainers and certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete student-athlete eating disorder training program developed by Commissioner of Education.

NJ AB1626

An act to amend Section 35179.1 of, and to add Sections 35179.85 and 35179.87 to, the Education Code, relating to interscholastic athletics.

NJ AB1665

School athletics: coaches: youth athletics behavioral and mental health training.

NJ A1429

Permits board of education to employ certain veterans in coaching positions in school district's interscholastic athletic program.

NJ A4539

Requires each school district to annually submit interscholastic athletic opportunity report to the Commissioner of Education.

Similar Bills

CA AB437

An act to amend Section 33353 of the Education Code, relating to interscholastic athletics.

NJ A3213

Requires public school to allow certain students not enrolled in school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A448

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

CA AB89

An act to add Section 33353.

CA AB1665

School athletics: coaches: youth athletics behavioral and mental health training.

CA AB1706

California Interscholastic Federation: flag football pilot program.

CA AB1572

California Interscholastic Federation: officials: registration, certification, and eligibility verification.

AZ SB1693

Students; interscholastic activities; eligibility; costs