CoachSafely Sports Policy Institute is a policy and advocacy organization focused on establishing state-level laws (i.e. Coach Safely Acts) that support a national standard for youth sports safety for athletes age 14 and under.
The U.S. is experiencing a documented youth sports injury and wellness epidemic:
Root causes include lack of mandatory coach certification, fragmented sports governance, and a profit-driven youth sports system prioritizing elite development over safety.
CoachSafely Foundation (501c3) — Operational Arm, Coach-Centered Approach to Change
CoachSafely Sports Policy Institute — Policy Engine focused on Standards
Together, the Foundation provides the certification system; the Institute provides the legislative framework for adoption and enforcement.
Medical & Public Health
American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Society of Sports Medicine, American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, National Association Athletic Trainers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National I Institute of Health, sports epidemiologists
Sports Organizations
The National Council of Youth Sports. The State High School Athletic Association. The National Recreation and Parks Association, national youth sports governing bodies, SEC team physicians, university research centers, Professional sports franchises.
Economic Developers and Vendors
Municipalities, schools and other owners of youth sports venues. Private investors in youth sports services (software services, equipment, etc.). Sports travel and hospitality. County commissions. Apparel. Concessions. Tournament fees and admissions. Sponsors.
Political Stakeholders
State legislatures, governors, and public health agencies; federal HHS engagement for future funding.
Media & Thought Leaders
Sports journalists, authors, coaches, athletes, and independent media partners supporting national awareness campaigns
The political strategy is to build state by state coalitions with stakeholder thought leaders that have personal influence in their states’ legislature. Start with the advocacy of a top state government executive officer and confirm a bill sponsor with political capital. Filing the bill needs to accompanied with a favorable Fiscal Note. The lobbying effort is will have to get votes to pass the Coach Safely Act through committee, to pass a floor vote, to cross the aisle, to pass through a review and pass a floor vote, and be signed by the Governor.
Years 1–3 (Southeast Bloc)
Years 3–5 (Midwest/Northeast Expansion)
Years 5–7 (National Scale)
Messaging combines public health urgency with fiscal responsibility:
Distribution channels include podcasts, social media clips, legislative outreach, and media production through dedicated content partners.
The 42 million children participating in youth sports are by far the largest population of athletes (compared to 8M in High School, 500K in colleges and 15K in professional). These youth athletes are still developing and have more vulnerability to injury. And are playing without certified athletic trainers. Are being coached by volunteer with little to no knowledge of injury recognition and prevention.
Youth sports to focus coaches and parents on retention and to prioritize development over professional pipeline expectations. The goal is to reposition youth athletics as a foundation for character, safety, and lifelong health—not early specialization or elite performance pressure. And continue to emphasize that the age 14 and under sports narrative is a completely separate narrative in the state legislative than the High School sports narrative.
