An Act relative to recognizing cheerleading as a sport

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Marc Lombardo

Recognizes cheerleading as an interscholastic sport; districts must develop participation guidelines and safety standards with DESE, and require sport-specific coach training.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2

Overview

H.639 would amend Chapter 71 of the General Laws to recognize cheerleading as an interscholastic sport and set requirements for school districts to implement participation guidelines and safety standards. The bill focuses on formalizing cheerleading as a sport within public schools and ensuring appropriate training for coaches.

Key Provisions

Section 47A (new): Classification and participation

(a) Each school district must, directly or through an authorized representative, in consultation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), develop guidelines, procedures, and safety standards for classifying cheerleading as a sport and for providing student participation in cheerleading.
(b) Any cheerleading coach must receive training specific to the sport of cheerleading and the safety of cheerleaders.
(c) The requirements in Section 47A are in addition to, and do not replace, existing requirements under Section 47 or other applicable law.

Administrative framework: The district must work in consultation with the department to develop the standards and training requirements.

Affected Parties

School districts in Massachusetts (public K-12).

DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education), as the consulted entity for guidance and standards.

Cheerleading coaches (as required to obtain sport- and safety-specific training).

Student participants in cheerleading (who would be governed under formal sport guidelines and safety standards).

Implementation and Timeline

Legislative status:

Filed: January 7, 2025 (House Docket No. 267; House No. 639).
Referred to the Committee on Education: February 27, 2025.
Senate concurred (noted in legislative actions): February 27, 2025 (context suggests cross-chamber alignment in prior session language).
Hearing scheduled: May 6, 2025, from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in room B-2.

Practical implications: The bill requires districts to develop standards and deliver coach training, but it does not specify funding, a compliance deadline, or a phased rollout. Implementation would hinge on district-led development in consultation with DESE and the passage of the act into law.

Legislative History and Context

Similar matter filed in a prior session (House No. 3972, 2023-2024), indicating an ongoing interest in recognizing cheerleading as a sport.

Current action places the bill under the Education committee with a scheduled public hearing, signaling a move toward formal consideration and potential amendments.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Official recognition of cheerleading as a school sport could affect eligibility, competition governance, and safety protocols.

Emphasis on coach training aims to improve safety and standardization across districts.

Since the bill adds requirements but does not specify funding, districts may need to reallocate or identify resources to meet training and guideline development obligations.

The timeline for compliance remains to be determined, pending legislative passage and any resulting regulatory regulations or guidance from DESE.

Bill