NC Athletic Association Backs Bill Requiring Mental Health Training for Coaches
State athletic association votes 17-0 to support legislation requiring coaches to complete mental health first aid training amid rising youth suicide rates.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina High School Athletic Association endorsed proposed legislation requiring middle and high school coaches to complete mental health training, marking a significant development for a bill that stalled last year.
The organization voted 17-0 on Wednesday to support SB 550, known as the Coaches Care Act, according to statements from Commissioner Que Tucker and bill supporters. The measure would mandate mental health first aid training to help coaches recognize signs of student mental health struggles and substance abuse.
“The unanimous vote to require mental health training for head coaches is a meaningful step forward for the students we serve,” Tucker said in a statement.
Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Youth
The legislation addresses alarming statistics about youth mental health in North Carolina and nationwide. Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for children in the state, while 1 in 7 youths ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year across the country.
Sen. Caleb Theodros (D-Mecklenburg), a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized the training would not transform coaches into counselors but would better equip them to identify when students need help.
“This is not about asking coaches to become counselors,” Theodros said during a Thursday press conference. “It is about making sure that they’re not left guessing when a student needs help.”
Previous Legislative Efforts
The Coaches Care Act was introduced last year but failed to advance out of the Senate Rules Committee. Supporters believe the athletic association’s unanimous backing could provide the momentum needed to move the legislation forward this session.
The proposed training would focus on helping coaches recognize symptoms of mental health struggles and connect students to appropriate resources. The bill aims to create an early intervention system using coaches’ regular interactions with student athletes.
Support for Student Mental Health
Advocates argue that coaches are often in unique positions to observe changes in student behavior and emotional well-being during practices and competitions. The training would provide them with tools to respond appropriately when they notice warning signs.
The measure reflects growing recognition of mental health challenges facing young people and the role that school personnel can play in supporting student well-being. With coaches frequently serving as mentors and trusted adults in students’ lives, the legislation seeks to formalize their role in the mental health support system.
The bill now awaits further action in the state legislature, where supporters hope the athletic association’s endorsement will help build broader support for passage.
