Relates to health requirements for wrestling

Summary of provisions

Section One adds a new section 921 to the education law which establishes that it is the intent of the legislature to protect against the spread of, and educate student athletes regarding the risks related to, MESA and other infectious skin diseases. This section also establishes an informational web page where the public can obtain information about MESA and other infectious skin diseases. It directs the state education department and the department of health, in consultation with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, to develop an online training and education program on infectious skin diseases and requires wrestling coaches and student athletes participating in interscholastic wrestling to view the training program on an annual basis. The training must be completed within the first two weeks of practice. Any student athlete found to be out of compliance with this requirement will be barred from participation until such time that the student athlete complies. The department shall maintain a registry of names of persons who have completed the training program.

Section Two adds a new section 2111-a to the public health law which requires the department of health to work in consultation with the State Education Department to achieve the above objectives and also requires similar information on MESA and infectious skin diseases to be maintained on the Department of Health's website. Further, the department of health would be empowered to promulgate rules and regulations with respect to student wrestlers who have contracted infectious skin diseases and when it is safe and proper for these students to resume participation in interscholastic wrestling.

Section Three authorizes the State Education Department and the Department of Health to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the above provisions and contains the effective date.

Justification

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria that is responsible for many serious infections. Because PIRSA is resistant to antibiotics, the infections are very difficult to treat and pose severe health risks to those who contract them. Education and information are important components in ensuring that both athletes and personnel involved in wrestling are armed with the knowledge necessary to undertake measures to protect themselves and their pupils, from contracting a skin infection.

Wrestling coaches and students participating in interscholastic wrestling are required to complete a short online training course of instruction annually. The course shall be similar to the course offered by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, which aims to educate them on certain topics relating to skin infections and how to prevent transmission of such. The Department would be required to maintain a registry containing the names of students and coaches who have certified completion of the program.

Padding used in school athletics is an ideal breeding ground for the harmful bacteria that can lead to infectious and potentially life threatening diseases. These surfaces can easily become contaminated with infection-causing bacteria, which exposes participants of full contact sports to the danger of contracting harmful infections such as MRSA. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association currently follows disinfecting procedures for wrestling mats and equipment that were promulgated by the National Federation of High School Associations. Fortunately, educating students and supervisors about proper cleaning procedures for these disease breeding grounds is a low cost measure that can curb the spread of MESA and other skin infections.

Showering prior to, and after, engaging in wrestling activities is another measure that athletes can take to help prevent infection. Available showers are especially important in tournament situations, where the athletes are in the same place fox long lengths of time after they compete, as opposed to matches where the athletes return home within a couple of hours. By educating students and coaches about the need for good hygiene habits, the spread of MESA and other infectious skin diseases can be further diminished.

Finally, the Department of Health would be empowered to promulgate rules and regulations with respect to interscholastic wrestlers who have contracted an infectious skin disease and when it is safe and proper for these students to resume participation in practices and matches.

Legislative history

2012- 2013 - Passed Senate

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on October 1, 2014; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.