A POSITION paper backed by 13 national sports associations (NSA) has been drafted to oppose House Bill 1526, which seeks to ban minors from participating in full-contact sports.
Leading the charge to repeal the proposal is Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who also happens to be the president of the arnis federation.
The bill was filed by Ako Bicol representatives Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Elizaldy Co.
Entitled “An Act Banning Minors from Full-Contact Competitive Sports,” the bill seeks to “prohibit the participation of minors in competitive full-contact sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu, muay thai, judo, and various forms of full-contact karate.”
The position paper mentioned that full-contact sports at the grassroots level are part of the NSAs’ talent identification program. It added that these are done with strict adherence to safety protocols such as the wearing of protective gear. It adds that medical forms and consent from parents and guardians are required before minors can participate in competitions.
“We compliment the vigilance and dutifulness of our honorable congressmen. However, the combat sports NSAs strongly oppose prohibiting minors from participating in combat sports competitions, whether full contact or semi-contact,” read the position paper.
The position paper also stated that young athletes have been responsible for bringing home medals in various international tilts such as the Youth Olympic Games.
“In summary, we urge our honorable lawmakers to consider the preceding information in their deliberations on this bill. We hope that the impact such a bill could make on our respective sports development would be taken to mind before any decisions are made,” the position paper continued.