Bill
HB 4371
The act requires youth-sports organizers to meet basic or advanced safety standards, obtain annual certification, and implement training, background checks, and emergency plans.
Aims and scope
- Purpose: Establish a comprehensive framework to ensure safety and supportive environments for youth sports in Michigan. Creates basic and advanced safety standards for organizing entities that run youth sports programs, with a certification and grant system to promote compliance.
- Title and authority: Referred to as the “safe youth sports act.” Administered through the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University, under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The department may adopt implementing rules.
What the bill would do
- Require safety standards: Organizing entities (public or private bodies that organize youth sports beyond a one-time event) must comply with basic standards, and may pursue advanced standards for enhanced safety.
- Certification program: Entities can certify compliance with basic or advanced standards. Certifications last 1 year and must be publicly listed on the institute’s website. Certification is required to meet certain provisions regardless of other standards.
- Grants: The state department would administer grants to help entities meet advanced standards and to help those with a high percentage of low-income youth meet basic standards to obtain certification.
- Training and practices: The act places emphasis on training for coaches, administrators, parents, and officials, plus documented safety practices and emergency preparedness.
Key provisions and standards (highlights by section)
- Sec. 5 (Institute and Department duties)
- Institute approves safety standards and training programs; approves alternative training proposals.
- Publication and maintenance of a certification list; certification validity is 1 year.
- Department administers grants to support compliance and affordability.
- Sec. 7 (Basic standards)
- Emergency action plan and severe weather/heat policies tailored to each practice site.
- Annual criminal background checks for adults with significant contact with youth athletes; disqualifying offenses prohibited.
- Codes of conduct for coaches/administrators; mandatory training for coaches (Protecting Youth Athletes, CPR, AED), concussion training, and parental participation in concussion training.
- Regular checks of safety equipment and site safety.
- Sec. 9 (Advanced standards)
- Designate a safety manager; require an injury prevention plan or injury evaluation space or presence of an athletic trainer or coach first aid certification.
- Expanded coach training topics: safety management, inclusivity, disabilities, bullying/hazing, mental health, substance use, nutrition/hydration, etc.
- Parental and referee training/codes of conduct; mandatory Protecting Youth Athletes training for parents as applicable; inclusivity training for officials.
- Sec. 11 (Rules)
- Department may promulgate implementing rules under the Administrative Procedures Act.
Who would be affected
- Organizing entities that run youth sports programs (public and private, excluding entities governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association).
- Coaches, administrators, referees/officials, youth athletes (under 18), and their parents/guardians.
- The Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at MSU and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
- Potential beneficiaries include programs with high numbers of low-income participants (via targeted grants).
Implementation timeline and status
- Introduced: March 11, 2025; electronically reproduced April 22, 2025.
- Initial referral: Committee on Government Operations; later actions show hearings (April 29) and consideration of a committee substitute (May 8).
- Legislative actions indicate movement toward favorable reporting with a substitute and formal consideration.
Potential impact
- Promotes standardized safety practices across youth sports, including mandatory training, background checks, and emergency preparedness.
- Could increase program operating costs and administrative requirements for organizing entities, offset by state grants and annual certification.
- Aims to improve protection for youth athletes, reduce risk of injuries, and enhance inclusivity and health awareness in youth sports contexts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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