A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to authorize the legislative research commission to study the issue of creating A Coaching scholarship fund.
Whereas, athletic coaches play an important role in the lives of North Carolina's students; and
Whereas, coaches impart the values of sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork to the student athletes they train; and
Whereas, coaches provide at‑risk children with positive activities during critical after‑school hours and are necessary in leading the fight against a growing national epidemic of obesity; and
Whereas, teachers who coach have the highest level of interest and involvement in the lives of their students; and
Whereas, coaches help to facilitate interscholastic athletic competition, which is the most visible means by which the public interacts with students; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Legislative Research Commission shall study the feasibility of creating a Coaching Scholarship Fund to help provide qualified coaches and assistant coaches for the public schools.    In conducting the study, the Commission is encouraged to consult with public school coaches, public school superintendents, public school principals and teachers, parents, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and other interested parties.  In conducting the study, the Commission may consider the following:
(1)	The relationship between athletics and educational performance;
(2)	The extent of the shortage of qualified coaches and assistant coaches in the public schools of North Carolina;
(3)	The number and amount of scholarship loans that are needed;
(4)	Which entity shall have responsibility for administering the Fund;
(5)	The criteria for receiving a scholarship loan and whether that criteria should include any specific requirements for academic qualifications that must be maintained during the period of the loan, academic course work that is required to receive the loan, and any employment requirements;
(6)	Whether the scholarship loans should be available to students at both public and private colleges and universities; and
(7)	Any other issues related to the creation of a Coaching Scholarship Fund.
SECTION 2.  The Commission shall report its findings, together with any recommended legislation to the 2005 General Assembly.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.