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HD 267

An Act relative to recognizing cheerleading as a sport

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

Requires districts to recognize cheerleading as a sport, with safety standards, DESE consultation, and coach training to safeguard participants.

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Bill Summary · HD 267

Summary: An Act Relative to Recognizing Cheerleading as a Sport (HD 267)

Overview

  • Purpose: To classify cheerleading as a school sport in Massachusetts and establish standards to ensure student participation and safety.
  • Bill status: Proposed legislation in the 2025-2026 session (194th General Court). The bill is listed as House Docket No. 267, filed January 7, 2025 (House No. 639). A related matter was previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 3972).
  • Sponsor: Representative Marc T. Lombardo (22nd Middlesex).

Key Provisions

  • Add Section 47A to Chapter 71 of the General Laws (inserted after Section 47):
    • (a) Requirement for districts: Each school district, directly or through an authorized representative, in consultation with the department, must develop guidelines, procedures, and safety standards for classifying cheerleading as a sport and for providing student participation in cheerleading.
    • (b) Coach training: Any cheerleading coach must receive training specific to the sport of cheerleading and the safety of cheerleaders.
    • (c) Supplemental provisions: The requirements of Section 47A are in addition to existing requirements under Section 47 or any other applicable provisions of Chapter 71.

Affected Parties

  • School districts statewide (public K-12)
  • Authorized district representatives involved in athletics
  • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  • Cheerleading coaches and student participants (athletes)

Implementation and Timeline

  • The text requires districts to develop and implement guidelines and safety standards in consultation with the department.
  • The bill does not specify a precise effective date or deadline within the text provided; adoption would follow standard legislative enactment and promulgation processes. If enacted, districts would need to commence development and training in accordance with the new section.

Relationship to Existing Law

  • Chapter 71, Section 47 (and other applicable provisions) would continue to apply.
  • Section 47A would operate in addition to existing athletic and activity laws and guidelines, creating explicit recognition of cheerleading as a sport with dedicated safety and training requirements.

Potential Impacts

  • Increased standardization of cheerleading as a sport across districts.
  • Enhanced safety through mandatory coach training.
  • Possible needs for district resources to develop guidelines and provide training.
  • Clearer participation framework for cheerleaders within school athletic programs.

Notes

  • The bill’s language emphasizes consultation with the DESE and adds a formal safety and participation framework.
  • Prior related proposal (House No. 3972) indicates ongoing legislative interest in recognizing cheerleading as a sport.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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