(1) To encourage amateur athletic competition at the world level, state agencies and political subdivisions described in ORS § 243.853 (2) to (6) may grant leaves of absence on request to any public employee who participates in world, Pan American or Olympic events as a group leader, coach, official or athlete of a United States amateur team for the purpose of preparing for and engaging in the competition and preliminary competitions.

(2) The leave shall be with regular pay and benefits for periods of official training camps and competitions. Paid leave shall not exceed 90 days per calendar year.

(3) Upon expiration of the leave, the public employee shall have the right to be reinstated to the position held before the leave was granted and at the salary rates prevailing for such positions on the date of resumption of duty without loss of seniority or other employment rights. Failure of the employee to report within 30 days after termination of official competition shall be cause for dismissal.

(4) In order to be eligible for the benefits authorized by ORS § 243.853 to 243.855, the public employee shall be a resident of this state for a period of not less than five years and shall have been a public employee of the particular employer for a period of not less than one year prior to being granted the leave. [Formerly 243.330]

See note under 243.853.