Title: Petition to Amend the definition of an athlete in AB 796: Protecting the health and wellbeing of Tactical and Industrial Athletes

Dear California Senate,

We, the undersigned concerned citizens, advocates and members of the military, police and fire-rescue departments hereby petition the California Senate to expand the definition of an athlete to prevent the exclusion of tactical/industrial athletes from the provisions of Assembly Bill 796 (AB 796).

AB 796, while aiming to regulate and improve athletic training practices in California, inadvertently overlooks the unique needs and requirements of tactical/industrial athletes who serve and protect our communities. These athletes, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, lifeguards, military personnel, and other emergency responders, face physically demanding challenges that necessitate specialized training, and rehabilitation programs to enhance their performance and minimize injury risks.

By neglecting to account for the specific training requirements of tactical/industrial athletes, AB 796 inadvertently perpetuates an unjust discrepancy in opportunities and resources available to this crucial segment of our workforce. The exclusion of tactical/industrial athletes from the provisions of this bill not only hampers their ability to perform optimally but also undermines their overall physical and mental well-being.

We firmly believe that all individuals who participate in physically demanding careers deserve fair and equal access to appropriate athletic training programs and resources. By amending AB 796 to expand the definition of an athlete to include both tactical and industrial athletes, we can ensure that the individuals who put their lives on the line to protect and serve the citizens of California receive the necessary support and guidance to excel in their physically demanding roles.

We urge the California Senate to take swift action and:

1. Recognize the distinct training requirements of tactical/industrial athletes and acknowledge their critical contributions to public safety.

2. Amend AB 796 to expand the definition of an athlete to allow military, police, fire-rescue and other public safety personnel to utilize athletic training services.

3. Amend AB796 to change the requirement that “athletes be supervised by a coach” and allow the definition of a coach to include qualified training instructors.  
By enacting these amendments, the California Senate can set a precedent for acknowledging and respecting the valuable contributions of tactical and industrial athletes. Let us come together to ensure that our military and public safety personnel receive the support they deserve and can perform their duties with the utmost efficiency, preparedness, and safety.

We, the undersigned, urge you to listen to our voices and address this pressing matter promptly.