Bill > H602

This bill establishes the Coach Safely Act, which requires annual training for athletics personnel and coaches involved in youth athletic activities on state-owned or managed properties. The bill mandates that associations offering youth sports must provide a free, Department of Health and Human Services-approved youth sports injury education course to all coaching staff and athletics personnel. This training must be completed within 30 days of starting in a coaching role and annually thereafter. The required course must cover critical topics including safety techniques, emergency preparedness, CPR and first aid, concussion awareness, heat-related injury prevention, physical conditioning, and heart health. Coaches who complete this training and reasonably conform to its safety guidelines will have a legal defense against liability claims arising from youth athletic injuries. The training requirement does not apply to certain healthcare professionals with advanced trauma life support training, such as athletic trainers, physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians. The Department of Health and Human Services must approve appropriate courses meeting national best practice standards by October 1, 2025, and the act will become fully effective on August 1, 2026, applying to causes of action from that date forward.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H602