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Bill

Bill

S 2695

Requires youth sports team coaches to undergo cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and other first aid training.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Britnee Timberlake

New Jersey bill requiring all youth sports coaches to complete CPR and first aid certification to reduce injury-related deaths and improve emergency response capability.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2695

Legislative bill overview

S 2695 mandates that youth sports team coaches in New Jersey complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training. The bill establishes a training requirement as a condition for coaching youth athletic teams in the state.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac events and injuries during youth sports can be life-threatening, and immediate CPR or first aid can dramatically improve survival outcomes. Requiring coaches to have these skills creates a safety layer that could prevent deaths or permanent injuries among young athletes during practices and competitions.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Coaches may face expenses for certification courses, potentially creating barriers for volunteer coaches or smaller programs with limited budgets
  • Certification maintenance: The bill doesn't specify recertification intervals, raising questions about whether one-time training is sufficient or if periodic renewal should be required
  • Scope ambiguity: Unclear whether the requirement applies to all youth sports organizations (school, club, recreational) or only certain categories, and whether assistant coaches are included
  • Liability considerations: Mandating training could create legal expectations that coaches must always intervene, potentially increasing liability exposure if untrained emergency responders are present

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

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