The Colorado Senate recently gave initial approval to a bill that aims to ensure the safety of children in youth sports. The bill mandates that background checks be conducted every three years on all employees and volunteers who work directly with children or travel with teams on overnight trips. In addition, the bill requires all paid coaches to be certified in CPR.
Senator Jessie Danielson, a Democrat representing Jefferson County, highlighted the importance of this legislation. She emphasized that the goal of the bill is to create a safe environment for kids participating in sports by ensuring that coaches are trained in CPR and have undergone background checks. The bill applies to both private and municipal sports organizations, with exceptions for neighborhood youth organizations, K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education.
The proposed legislation seeks to protect children from potential harm by requiring coaches to undergo background checks and CPR certification. This measure is intended to create a safe environment for kids participating in sports, giving them peace of mind as they pursue their athletic interests. By implementing this bill, lawmakers hope to promote the well-being of children and ensure that they have access to positive role models while participating in sports activities.
