Written by: Marianne Partisan

A newly introduced bill making its way through the Colorado legislature is seeking to bolster safety measures for young athletes. Senate Bill 24-113 aims to ensure the protection and well-being of young athletes participating in sports.

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Sen. James Coleman

Sen. Tony Exum

If passed, the bill would mandate that youth sports organizations require coaches to complete abuse prevention training and maintain a record of the completed training. This requirement would only apply to leagues and organizations connected with K-12 schools, highlighting the need to address safety gaps in youth sports outside of school settings.

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Sen. Coleman highlighted the urgency of the bill, describing the current youth sports landscape in Colorado as the "wild west."  During an interview with KKTV, he expressed concern over the lack of abuse prevention training and reporting requirements for coaches involved in competitive teams, such as AAU and club level teams.

The proposed legislation aims to rectify this by ensuring that coaches undergo appropriate training, and that any inappropriate activity is promptly reported.

In addition to abuse prevention training, the bill would also necessitate background checks for employees and volunteers who work with or accompany children on overnight trips. Certain felony convictions would disqualify individuals from being hired by these organizations, further strengthening the safety measures in place.

The proposed measure also highlights the importance of fostering a positive and respectful environment within youth sports organizations. It would require organizations to develop a comprehensive code of conduct policy for coaches, parents, spectators, and athletes. Additionally, a system for reporting and investigating violations of the conduct policy would be established to maintain accountability.

Sen. Exum, a basketball official with 48 years of experience, also spoke to KKTV and said that he understands the passion that surrounds sports and acknowledges the emotional intensity that comes with them. However, he emphasized the need to create a safe atmosphere for young athletes, free from unruly behavior and coaches who have not been properly vetted.

According to General Assembly website, the bill has advanced to the Senate Appropriations Committee after passing with a vote of 4-3.

Sen. Coleman noted that there is widespread agreement on the concept of the bill, with the main concerns centering around ensuring proper reporting and compliance with background checks.

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The fiscal note is also being considered, as lawmakers consider the financial implications of implementing the proposed safety measures.

As the bill continues to progress through the legislative process, its supporters hope that it will receive widespread bipartisan support. The safety and well-being of young athletes should be a top priority, and this bill aims to create a safer and more secure environment for them to thrive in their chosen sports.