Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recreación y Deportes de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre el cumplimiento por parte del Departamento de Recreación y Deportes de Puerto Rico con las disposiciones de la Ley 28-2019, mejor conocida como “Carta de Derechos de los Niños, Niñas y Jóvenes Deportistas” y los señalamientos públicos sobre la proliferación de torneos de corto plazo y otras actividades que exponen a menores de edad a participar recurrentemente del deporte organizado y la preocupación de las consecuencias en la salud física y emocional que esto pueda causar; así como la accesibilidad a estos eventos, evaluando el costo económico y los horarios en que se celebran.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico legislature investigates whether the Recreation and Sports Department enforces child athlete protection laws and examines health impacts and accessibility of frequent youth sports tournaments.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

Bill RC 234 directs Puerto Rico's Chamber of Representatives' Recreation and Sports Commission to investigate whether the Department of Recreation and Sports complies with Law 28-2019 (the "Charter of Rights of Child and Youth Athletes"). The investigation will examine concerns about short-term tournaments and frequent organized sports participation among minors, their physical and emotional health impacts, and accessibility issues including costs and scheduling.

Why is this important

Young athletes in Puerto Rico may face health risks from overtraining and frequent competition if regulatory oversight is insufficient. The investigation could reveal whether existing protections under Law 28-2019 are actually being enforced, and whether economic barriers prevent equitable sports participation across different socioeconomic groups.

Potential points of contention

Enforcement versus expansion: The investigation may determine that enforcement of existing protections is inadequate, potentially requiring additional resources rather than new restrictions on sports organizations

Sports industry impact: Stricter regulations on tournament frequency or scheduling could affect coaches, sports organizations, and event organizers economically and operationally

Defining "excessive participation": Determining what constitutes harmful overparticipation versus healthy athletic development involves subjective judgments about children's capabilities and needs