Connecticut Senate Bill SB00542

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Youth Coach Background Checks.

Impact

By implementing this requirement, the bill seeks to standardize the background check process across the state for youth coaches, thereby raising the bar for safety protocols. This could potentially reduce the incidences of abuse or harassment in youth sports by ensuring that only individuals with clean records are allowed to coach. Legislative supporters of SB00542 emphasize the importance of safeguarding minors in sports settings, advocating that a rigorous background check is essential in fostering trust between parents, sports programs, and the coaching staff.

Summary

SB00542, titled 'An Act Concerning Youth Coach Background Checks', proposes an amendment to the general statutes to enhance the vetting process for individuals seeking employment as youth sports coaches. The central aim of the bill is to ensure that background checks for these positions include a thorough review of the U.S. Center for SafeSport's Centralized Disciplinary Database. The intention behind this initiative is to provide a safer environment for youth athletes by screening out those who may have a history of misconduct or disciplinary actions related to coaching youth sports.

Contention

However, the bill could face resistance from those who argue that it may impose additional constraints or bureaucratic hurdles on community sports programs or individual coaches. Concerns may arise regarding the accessibility and interpretation of data from the SafeSport database, with critics questioning whether such a system can comprehensively ensure the safety of youth athletes. Furthermore, the legislative process surrounding this bill may highlight discussions about the balance between ensuring safety and maintaining inclusivity in youth sports coaching.