PLAYS in Youth Sports Act

Physical activity, Living healthy, Access, Youth development, and Safety in Youth Sports Act or the PLAYS in Youth Sports Act

This bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a program to award grants to eligible national nonprofit organizations to improve the health and positive youth development impacts of youth sports participation and to increase access to youth sports for all children and youth, especially underserved populations.

The activities supported include

• training and certification programs for coaches;
• training for youth development and character development;
• instructing positive parental involvement;
• developing and implementing coach and volunteer retention efforts;
• fostering a positive sport experience for all involved that emphasizes athlete development over winning at all costs; and
• activities to enhance effects beyond the playing field, such as with respect to nutrition practices, academic performance, encouragement of life-long practices, and promotion of positive self-image.

The bill sets forth provisions regarding background checks of coaches, mentors, and other adults with access to youth sports participants.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may establish a program to award grants to municipalities, counties, and states to fund efforts to establish and implement model standards, such as through surveys, studies, pilot programs, and guidelines, for out-of-school youth sports coaches.

The Government Accountability Office and HHS must report to Congress regarding youth sports.

The bill authorizes the CDC and the National Institutes of Health to undertake, support, enhance, and expand research and prevention efforts to advance youth sports safety.

Bill 117 HR 8552, also known as the PLAYS in Youth Sports Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of promoting safety and fairness in youth sports. The bill focuses on addressing issues related to concussions, athlete safety, and access to sports programs for all children.

One of the key provisions of the PLAYS in Youth Sports Act is the requirement for all youth sports organizations to implement concussion protocols. This includes educating coaches, parents, and athletes on the signs and symptoms of concussions, as well as establishing guidelines for when a player should be removed from play and when they can safely return.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve athlete safety by mandating background checks for all coaches and volunteers involved in youth sports programs. This measure is intended to prevent individuals with a history of abuse or misconduct from working with children in a sports setting. The PLAYS in Youth Sports Act also seeks to increase access to sports programs for children from low-income families. The bill includes provisions for grants and funding opportunities to support the participation of underserved communities in youth sports, with the goal of promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among all children. Overall, the PLAYS in Youth Sports Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses important issues related to youth sports safety and accessibility. By promoting concussion protocols, athlete safety measures, and increased access to sports programs, this bill aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for children participating in organized sports.