HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1767

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Higher Education

Title:  An act relating to community and technical college intercollegiate coaches.

Brief Description:  Requiring certification of community and technical college intercollegiate coaches.

Sponsors:  Representatives Basich, Jacobsen, Brumsickle, Dellwo, Leonard, J. Kohl, Ogden, Quall, Bray, Kessler, Shin and Johanson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Higher Education, February 23, 1993, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Quall, Vice Chair; Brumsickle, Ranking Minority Member; Sheahan, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Basich; Bray; Carlson; Casada; Finkbeiner; Flemming; Kessler; J. Kohl; Mielke; Ogden; Orr; Rayburn; Shin; and Wood.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background: Intercollegiate sports are an important component of the educational experience.  Participants can receive physical, social, emotional and intellectual benefits.  The quality of the benefits a participant receives, however, can be influenced by the qualifications and competency of the coach.  Current Washington statutes do not require registration or certification of community college intercollegiate coaches.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges in consultation with the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges will encourage minimum standards for intercollegiate coaches.  Three minimum standards are listed:  (1) up-to-date certification in CPR and first aid; (2) knowledge of Northwest Athletic Association rules; and (3) participation by coaches in in-service training and activities.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will report to the Legislature by December 30, 1994, on the process for determining the qualifications of intercollegiate coaches and make recommendations for improving the knowledge and competence of coaches.  The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is also encouraged to provide training for coaches involved in common schools, youth groups, and community sports.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill eliminates the requirements for certification and registration of intercollegiate coaches. It also requires community and technical colleges to encourage intercollegiate coaches to meet minimum standards.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 15, 1993.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  (Original Bill)  A large majority of the current coaches are competent and qualified.  Minimum standards are needed, but not a certification program.  This bill would discourage individuals from becoming coaches.  The colleges can improve the quality of coaches without this legislation.

Witnesses:  (opposed) Dick McClain, Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges; and Diane Smith, Grays Harbor College.