Andalusia partners with Coach Safely to comply with new law
Volunteer youth coaches who work with the City of Andalusia’s Department of Leisure Services will be required to complete an annual two-hour sports safety course beginning this year.
Tommie Agee, director of leisure services for the city, said the class, which will be delivered electronically, was developed by the Andrews Research and Education Foundation for the Coach Safely Foundation. The course is presented at no charge through the foundation, in partnership with Children’s of Alabama, Encore Rehabilitation, and ThreatAdvice.
“All of our coaches have got to take it,” Agee said. “If you are on the sidelines of any teams, 14 and under, you are required. It is basically to education the public on sporting events and make sure we keep our kids safe.
The training is actually required for all community or association athletic personnel of youth athletes (14 or under), thanks to the Coach Safety Act approved by the Alabama Legislature in the 2017-18 session. The law brings coaching standards to all the 14 and under aged athletes in Alabama.
The law requires that the course cover prevention and injury recognition of:
- Concussions
- Heat and exertion illnesses
- Trauma and overuse
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Emergency action plan
- Physical conditioning
- Equipment usage
The Andalusia City Council agreed on Tuesday to partner with the Coach Safely Foundation for the training. There is no charge for the class.
The Coach Safely Act, which will be enforced by the Alabama Department of Public Health, went into effect on Nov. 4, 2018.