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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 19, 2023 11:19 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mary Jo Daley |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Mental Health Training for High School Coaches |
| In Pennsylvania, each individual who is coaching a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) member school is required to complete a background check, coaching education course, and receive training on concussions and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The goal of these requirements is to enhance the ability of the coach to better serve students, the school, the community, and the profession of coaching. However, we have learned that student-athletes are struggling with mental health at an alarming rate. Nearly half of America’s youth struggle with mental health before turning 18. Unfortunately, teenage athletes may not come forward and may be fearful of seeking help because they don’t think it would be “mentally tough.” Coaches aren’t trained for this situation and may not be equipped to take on mental health struggles. A recent study surveying more than 10,000 coaches found only 18% of youth coaches feel highly confident in their ability to link athletes to mental health resources and 67% want more training and information on the subject. My bill creates a “game plan.” It adds a section to the PIAA CIPPE form about understanding mental health and resources available to the student athlete and requires coaches to take a mental health training course that must be approved by the Department of Health. Please join me in breaking the stigma and supporting all student-athletes across the commonwealth by co-sponsoring this bill. |
Introduced as HB1367
Memo Updated: May 19, 2023 11:33 AM