Bill > SF0053

This bill establishes rules for maintaining amateur status for students participating in high school sports and activities sanctioned by the Wyoming High School Activities Association, meaning they cannot be paid or receive compensation for their athletic participation. Specifically, students would lose their amateur status if they compete for money, accept prizes of monetary value exceeding limits set by the association, profit from their athletic fame through endorsements or gifts, or sign a professional playing contract, though signing a letter of intent for college is permitted as long as no compensation is received. However, the bill outlines several exceptions where amateur status is not forfeited, including receiving encouragement money from family, accepting payments for participation in non-sanctioned events up to a specified amount (with restrictions on performance-based pay), receiving necessary travel and lodging for competitions, earning a small fee for instructing youth sports, having school-sponsored program fees paid, receiving awards or equipment within association limits, accepting non-monetary benefits provided to Olympic or junior national team members, receiving funds through specific U.S. Olympic Committee programs, participating in charitable events where compensation isn't performance-based, and accepting scholarship funds paid directly to a post-secondary institution after high school graduation. Violating these amateur status rules will make a student ineligible to participate in the sport or activity.

Education

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/SF0053