Jim Sensenbrenner: “I rise in support of H.R. 1176, the Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2006. This bill is narrowly…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1176, the Nonprofit Athletic Organization Protection Act of 2006. This bill is narrowly tailored to correct specific liability exposure problems for nonprofit sports rulemaking bodies, such as the National Federation of State High School Associations. The nonprofit athletic rulemaking bodies covered by this bill play a critical role in facilitating all levels and all types of sports. Nonprofit rulemaking bodies use the expertise of experienced volunteers to set forth rules for athletic competition and practices that preserve sports traditions and minimize risks to participants. However, this rulemaking function is a predictive endeavor without the benefit of perfect foresight, and sports involve inherent risks that cannot all be minimized with a rule. Thus, when inevitable accidents do occur, nonprofit rulemaking bodies are often sued along with the local school district, coach, and referees because such organizations are presumed to have 'deep pockets.'”