SB 26-60

Senate Bill 26-60, now signed into law, mandates that coaches of youth athletic activities in Colorado complete a mental health education course every two years. This course covers topics such as the coach’s role in supporting the mental well-being of young athletes, recognizing signs of mental health issues like trauma and substance abuse, and suicide prevention strategies. If a youth athlete is removed from play due to a suspected concussion, coaches must advise parents or guardians to seek medical evaluation for both physical and behavioral health needs. This law aims to improve mental health awareness and support for young athletes involved in sports activities.

Official Summary

The act requires coaches of youth athletic activities to complete a biennial mental health education course. The required mental health education course must address a coach's impact on the mental health of a youth athlete, a wellness framework for youth athletes, mental health disorders, trauma, substance abuse, and suicide prevention. The act requires a coach of a youth athlete, or other designated personnel, to advise the parent or guardian of the youth athlete to seek a medical evaluation from a licensed health-care provider for appropriate medical and behavioral health guidance if the youth athlete is removed from play for a suspected concussion.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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