New Ohio law requires coaches to get mental health training to help student athletes: 'Support our kids'

Congressional correspondent Chad Pergram outlines Congress’ move to protect the rights of student athletes from legal trouble as more universities adopt NIL deals.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A new law in Ohio, which took effect on July 4, requires school sports coaches to undergo training in student mental health support.

Included in House Bill 33, the provision states that all coaches must complete the training before they can apply for or renew their pupil-activity program permit. (The permit is required for any staff member who directs a student activity program involving athletics.)

The training course must be approved by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the law states.

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Ohio is the first and only state with a law requiring coaches to get mental health training, confirmed Ron Zambrano, a partner attorney at West Coast Employment Lawyers in Long Beach, California.

"Maryland has a bill currently working its way through the legislature, but it hasn’t passed yet, and no other states have a similar law on the books," he told Fox News Digital.

Today’s student-athletes face mounting pressures that can jeopardize their mental health, experts warn. "If a coach doesn’t pass the required tests, it appears based on the law that they wouldn’t be allowed to coach," an attorney told Fox News Digital.  (iStock)

"A prospective coach must pass one of these pre-approved programs, and they would need to complete the training again each time they apply to participate in a