A program that originated in the state of Alabama is making big waves in other states and expanding across the Southeast.
The Louisiana Legislature has passed Senate Bill 260, legislation which would require parents and volunteer coaches of children ages 14 and younger to complete online training focused on recognizing and responding to serious medical emergencies in youth sports, and it now heads to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk for signature.
CoachSafely, an Alabama-based nonprofit organization, headed up by former UAB head coach Bill Clark, has been at the center of getting this protocol to other states, and Governor Landry expressed support for it back in March.
“This legislation reflects tremendous leadership from the Louisiana Legislature and Governor Landry, and we are deeply grateful for their support of this critical effort to better protect young athletes,” Clark said in a statement. “CoachSafely began in Alabama with a simple mission: give volunteer coaches the tools to recognize when a child may be in medical distress and know what to do next. With meaningful legislation now passed in Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana, we are laying the groundwork to expand Coach Safely to other states and build a stronger culture of safety in youth sports across America.”
CoachSafely has been part of a nationwide effort to improve injury recognition and prevention in youth sports across the country, and Clark noted that Alabama was among the first states to embrace the model.
“This is exactly the kind of practical, common-sense policy that can save lives,” said renowned sports medicine pioneer Dr. James Andrews, who has publicly supported the legislation. “Youth sports teach invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, but nothing matters more than the safety of our children. Most volunteer coaches are dedicated parents doing their best. This training simply gives them the knowledge to recognize when something may be seriously wrong and respond appropriately.”
The training is brief and online, designed to avoid unnecessary burdens on volunteer parents while establishing a basic standard of preparedness for adults supervising young athletes.
As CoachSafely continues to expand, its mission of ensuring every child has a safer experience on the playing field becomes more and more achievable.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
