SCOTTE.CEPCKY es i ‘SUITE 510, CORDELL HULL BULOING STATE REPRESENTATIVE “ 4255" AVENUE NORTH, 64" LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT ee NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37243-0105 many conn House of Representatives ets anes Fac State of Tennessee cua: repscottcopicky@capitolin gov NASHVILLE August 12, 2020 TSSAA 3333 Lebanon Road Hermitage, TN 37076 Dear TSSAA, ‘We have witnessed significant college conferences shutting down athletics in fear of COVID-19. The data does not suggest that these athletes are in any more danger than regular citizens, students, faculty, coaches, or other staff, Under guidelines, this school year statewide, our students will have social interaction, The CDC ranks this age group as the least vulnerable to any effects of COVID-19 The undersigned State Representatives are very concerned about the possibility of our high school and middle school athletics canceling in Tennessee due to pressure from certain groups. The competition in athletics has valuable life lessons. Playing sports brings about school spirit and benefits the participants’ physical and mental health, which will help us overcome this virus's effects. Therefore, the Tennessee General Assembly members signed below strongly urges the TSSAA to move forward with the fall sports season. Also, we support the TSSAA in taking the necessary precautions to ensure we are doing everything in our power to mitigate the COVID-19 virus in regards to the health of our fans, students, officials, and athletes. Regards, £43 Scott Cepicky, State Representative SC: jwTSSAA ‘August 12, 2020 - (page 2) Se Hen Senator Joey Hensley Senator Bill Powers Mowk A bag Senator Mark Pody Qf Bol Representative David Byrd Tom Xeiteweod! Representative Tom Leatherwood fy Representative Jerry Sexton fick hehe Representative Rick Eldridge Representative Chris ToddTSSAA August 12, 2020- (page 3) 0G Representative John Ragan Km 11 Representative Ron Gant Nw. Sef? Representative Dan Howell Cha X Yor Representative Chris Hurt POs IF Representative Jeremy Faison Get Meuh Representative Pat Marsh Bede Cor Representative Dale Carr Bre SI Mrffiey Representative Bruce GriffeyTSSAA August 12, 2020 ~ (page 4) Kain. Crapo Representative Kevin Vaughan MG tly Representative Micah Van Huss LE? etc) Representative Kirk Haston