WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1665

School athletics: coaches: youth athletics behavioral and mental health training.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Juan Alanis and 11 co-sponsors

California would require high school athletic coaches to complete mental health training to recognize and respond to student-athlete psychological distress and wellbeing concerns.

From committee: Be ordered to second reading pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8.
#coaches #schoolathletics #youthathleticsbehavioralandmentalhealthtraining
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1665

Legislative bill overview

AB 1665 mandates that high school coaches in California receive training on student mental health issues as a condition of their role in interscholastic athletics. The bill requires the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to establish or adopt mental health training standards for coaches working with student-athletes.

Why is this important

Student-athletes face unique pressures—competitive stress, injury trauma, and performance anxiety—that coaches are positioned to observe daily but may lack training to address. Coaches who recognize mental health warning signs (depression, eating disorders, substance abuse) can facilitate early intervention and potentially save lives. This addresses a documented gap in coach preparation, as most receive little formal mental health education despite their significant influence on adolescent wellbeing.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Schools and athletic programs may face expenses for mandatory training programs, curriculum development, and coach compensation time; small districts could struggle disproportionately
  • Scope and liability concerns: Defining what mental health training is required, who provides it, and whether coaches become responsible for diagnosis/intervention could create ambiguity and potential legal exposure for schools
  • Feasibility of compliance: The bill's effectiveness depends on meaningful, evidence-based training content—poorly designed mandates may create checkbox compliance without actual behavioral change

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.