THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2413
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to long distance running events.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there has been an increase in youth participation in long distance running events such as half-marathons and marathons.  However, research studies and health professionals indicate and recognize health consequences of youth who participate in these events.  An article from the Journal of Athletic Training reports that children do not absorb the impact of running as well as adults and less absorption can lead to greater impact to bones, joints, and soft tissue that can result in overuse injuries.  Other studies indicate that in comparison to adults, children run with different mechanics and have shorter legs in relation to their body size, factors that may contribute to a diminished ability to absorb impact.  This lack of absorption can result in health outcomes that include osteochondritis dissecans, Osgood-Schlatter disease, and Sever's disease.

     The legislature also finds that the International Marathon Medical Directors Association advises, "It is in the overall best interests of our children to make competitive participation in a full marathon an adult activity, reserved only for those 18 years of age and above".  In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics' Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness suggests that sporting activities should be geared to meet the developmental level of children and adolescents in regard to their physical abilities, cognitive capacities, initiative, and interest.

     The legislature further finds that long distance running events in the State, such as the Honolulu Marathon and the Hapalua – Hawaii's Half Marathon, allow children under the age of eighteen years to participate.

     The purpose of this Act is to require long distance running events to enforce an age requirement for individuals who participate to be eighteen years or older.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

LONG DISTANCE RUNNING EVENTS

     §   -1  Definitions.  As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

     "Minor" means any person below the age of eighteen years.

     "Long distance running event" means an event that requires an individual to register as a participant and to run a distance greater than or equal to       miles.

     "Organizer" means the entity that organizes and implements a long distance running event.

     §   -2  Age requirement.  No organizer shall allow a minor to register for a long distance running held in the State and organized by that organizer unless the minor will be at least eighteen years of age on the scheduled date of the long distance running event.

     §   -3  Rules.  The department of health shall adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, necessary to implement this chapter."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Long Distance Running Event; Age Requirement

 

Description:

Prohibits long distance running event organizers from allowing minors to register unless the minors will be eighteen years or older on the scheduled date of the running event.

 

 

 

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