DOVER – On Thursday, lawmakers introduced legislation that would strengthen the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) board’s authority over investigations and compliance standards while implementing new training requirements for student-athletes and stronger screening requirements for athletic officials.
The DIAA operates within the Delaware Department of Education and oversees interscholastic athletics for public and participating nonpublic schools across the state.
House Bill 452, sponsored by Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Rep. Alonna Berry, and Sen. Dan Cruce, would expand the DIAA board’s duties, powers, and authority by requiring member schoolsto fully cooperate with DIAA investigations involving alleged regulatory violations. This includes establishing procedures to determine if a violation has occurred, investigating the alleged violations, and interpreting applicable regulations.
This measure would also update DIAA athletic eligibility requirements by requiring the board to implement annual sportsmanship and anti-harassment training for participating student-athletes.
“Everyone deserves respect on and off the field,” said Rep. Chukwuocha. “The same way our schools are expected to support and protect students in the classroom, the systems governing school athletics should reflect those same standards.”
In addition to student training requirements, House Bill 452 also expands accountability measures for coaches and officials participating in Delaware school athletics.
While current law requires many school employees, contractors, and volunteers working with children to complete background and child protection registry checks, sports officials may be permitted to serve without being subject to those same requirements. House Bill 452 closes this loophole by requiring athletic officials not otherwise covered under existing law to complete initial and subsequent fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background checks, as well as Child Protection Registry screenings.
Officials would also be required to complete diversity and anti-discrimination training. DIAA will specify which trainings need to be completed and oversee completion to ensure compliance.
“The DIAA serves a critical role, supporting schools and student athletes in all three counties in our State. From promoting sportsmanship to prioritizing the healthy well-being of our student athletes, we must bolster their authority to serve to the best of their ability,” said Sen. Cruce. “This legislation will ensure that the DIAA can align with the times and continue to work in the best interest of students’ educational experience.”
House Bill 452 has been assigned to the House Education Committee.
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