Any school district employee who qualifies as a member of the United States team for athletic competition on the world, Pan American or Olympic level, in a sport contested in either Pan American or Olympic competitions, shall be granted a leave of absence with pay and without loss of rights, privileges and benefits and without interruption of membership in any retirement system for the purpose of preparing for and engaging in the competition. The paid leave granted pursuant to this act shall be no more than 90 calendar days in 1 year or the combined days of the official training camp and competition, whichever is less.

Any school district which grants employees leaves of absence pursuant to the provisions of this act shall be reimbursed by the State, for the full amount of the actual cost of employing substitutes for said employees.

L.1978, c. 99, s. 2, eff. Aug. 14, 1978.