Amateur Sports Act

The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 is a law that established the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as the main national organization responsible for overseeing amateur sports and representing U.S. athletes in international competitions. It clarified that the USOPC governs amateur athletics, sets standards for athlete eligibility, and manages national teams, while also protecting athletes’ rights and promoting fair play. The law aimed to strengthen amateur sports, improve athlete development, and ensure the U.S. stays competitive in international sporting events like the Olympics.