Amateur Sports Act of 1978

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

The Amateur Sports Act of 1978, also known as the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act, is a United States federal law that governs the organization and funding of amateur sports in the country. Enacted on November 8, 1978, the Act aimed to promote the development of amateur athletic programs and protect the rights of amateur athletes.

Background

The need for the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 arose from concerns about the governance and funding of amateur sports in the United States. Prior to the Act, there were issues with the lack of centralized authority and oversight in amateur sports organizations, leading to disputes and inefficiencies in the management of athletic programs.

Provisions

The key provisions of the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 include the establishment of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the coordinating body for amateur sports in the country. The Act also created the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to oversee the participation of American athletes in international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

Furthermore, the Act outlines the responsibilities of national governing bodies (NGBs) for individual sports, ensuring that each sport has a designated organization to oversee its development and administration. The Act also addresses issues related to athlete eligibility, anti-doping measures, and the resolution of disputes within the amateur sports community.

Impact

Since its enactment, the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of amateur sports in the United States. By providing a framework for the governance and funding of amateur athletic programs, the Act has helped to promote the development of young athletes and support the participation of American competitors in international sporting events.

See also

• United States Olympic Committee
• United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee
• National Governing Body

References

‎