Interscholastic athletics: youth sports: coaches: behavioral and mental health training

Coaches will receive training to recognize potential mental health concerns, respond appropriately, and connect young athletes with professional help. The law also makes a statewide training resource available to recreational and club youth-sports programs.

What the law does ​

• Beginning July 1, 2027, requires high-school coach education to include age-appropriate behavioral and mental health training.
• Requires training on athlete-specific mental health challenges, trauma-informed care, suicide-risk awareness, crisis deescalation, substance use, eating disorders, communication, referrals, team culture, and coaches’ professional limits.
• Clarifies that coaches may not provide mental health counseling or therapy or replace licensed behavioral health professionals.
• Requires the California Department of Education, by September 1, 2027, to identify or develop a model behavioral and mental health training for recreational, competitive, and club youth-sports coaches.
• Requires the department to post the model training online and work with local partners to distribute it to youth leagues, coaching entities, and relevant statewide groups.

Who it affects ​

• High-school sports coaches and pupil athletes.
• Coaches and youth athletes in recreational, competitive, and club sports leagues.
• School districts, youth athletic leagues, and youth coaching organizations.

Context ​

The law operates only if AB 1665 of the 2025–26 Regular Session is enacted and effective by January 1, 2027.