Puerto Rico sports regulation overhaul improves compliance monitoring for youth organizations

The government meeting held on June 14, 2025, focused on discussions surrounding the implementation and enforcement of Regulation 91 7 9, which governs youth sports organizations in Puerto Rico. The regulation mandates that all sports organizations submit a game schedule, participant list, and tournament brackets to the Department of Recreation and Sports (PRD) at least 30 days prior to events. This requirement aims to enhance compliance with health and safety standards, as recommended by experts in child development and sports psychology.

During the meeting, officials acknowledged existing challenges in enforcing these regulations, citing insufficient resources and poor coordination among various government agencies. It was noted that some agencies issue permits without verifying compliance with the established norms, which undermines the overall effectiveness of the regulation. To address these issues, the PRD expressed support for proposed measures that would strengthen the current regulations by providing them with the force of law and establishing a compliance mechanism before any sporting event can take place.

Concerns were raised regarding the clarity of certain terms within the proposed legislation, such as "official sports event" and "sports organizations." The PRD recommended including a definitions section to clarify these terms, which would help ensure legal certainty and facilitate compliance among affected entities.

The meeting also included a discussion on Resolution 2 28, which calls for a thorough investigation into compliance with the PRD's organic law and the protection of minors in sports. The PRD emphasized the need for increased oversight and requested a budget that would allow for hiring additional personnel to enhance operational capacity for monitoring youth sports activities.

Jorge Sosa Ramírez, the commissioner of the Intercollegiate Athletic League, also presented during the meeting, outlining the league's structure and activities. He highlighted the importance of streamlining the permitting process for sports events to facilitate smoother operations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the commitment to improving the regulatory framework governing youth sports in Puerto Rico, with a focus on enhancing compliance, coordination, and oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes. Further discussions and actions are anticipated as the proposed measures are reviewed and refined.