CS/SB 358 — Athletic Coaches for Youth Athletic Teams
by Rules Committee and Senator Ring
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee (CF)
The bill revises the background screening requirements for athletic coaches. The bill clarifies the definition of “athletic coach” to include coaches, assistant coaches, and referees. The bill requires independent sanctioning authorities that organize, operate, or coordinate youth athletic teams to conduct Level 1 background screening for athletic coaches. The bill prohibits sanctioning authorities from delegating this responsibility to individual teams.
The bill disqualifies athletic coaches from coaching if they fail to pass the background screening. The bill permits sanctioning authorities to allow a disqualified person to act as an athletic coach if they committed a felony more than three years prior to the screening, committed a misdemeanor, committed a felony that has since been reclassified as a misdemeanor, or were adjudicated delinquent.
The bill requires the sanctioning authority to maintain the results of screenings and notices of disqualification for at least five years.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2014.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 119-0