New Colorado Bill Introduced to Strengthen Mental Health Protections for Youth Athletes

SB26-060 would ensure youth sports coaches get mental health training, inform parents of mental health risks following concussion

Denver, CO — Legislation introduced by Colorado lawmakers on Wednesday would require youth sports coaches to receive basic mental health education and ensure parents are informed when a young athlete who sustains a concussion may experience related mental health impacts.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Rod Pelton, reflects the growing recognition that mental health is a core component of athlete safety and that coaches play a uniquely influential role in young people’s lives. Coaches often spend hours each week with athletes and are frequently the first adults outside a child’s family to notice changes in behavior, mood, or performance that may signal a mental health concern.

“Youth mental health is a growing crisis in Colorado, and we need every trusted adult in a child’s life equipped to help,” said Vincent Atchity, President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado. “It’s important to recognize that young athletes experience all kinds of challenges to their well-being on the way to adulthood. When coaches know how to spot the yellow and red flags of athletes’ health concerns, know how to talk openly about mental health and model healthful behavior as well as sportsmanship and what it looks like to ask for help, it sends a powerful message to young athletes that their well-being is prized and that they’ve got their coaches and teams behind them. Prioritizing the health of young athletes doesn’t stop at the sidelines – it reaches families, schools, and communities, and helps build teams grounded in inclusion, sportsmanship, and respect on and off the field.”

The legislation builds on Colorado’s existing youth concussion laws by explicitly addressing the well-documented link between concussions and mental health. Research shows that brain injuries in youth athletes can contribute to anxiety, depression, mood changes, and emotional distress. By requiring coaches to inform parents of potential mental health impacts following a concussion, the bill ensures families have the information they need to monitor symptoms early and seek help before issues escalate.

“We are so honored that this bill is moving forward. We are proud to know that parents will have the awareness whenever their child receives a concussion and what those repercussions can be, not only with physical limitations, but also with psychological limitations regarding mental health,” said Stella Deslongchamp, whose daughter Alyssa Peterson passed away in 2019. “It means the world to us that we can help other children and other families.”

The bill would require coaches in school and community-based youth sports programs to complete an annual mental health education course. The training is designed to provide practical, common-sense guidance and to help them recognize warning signs, communicate with families, and connect athletes to appropriate support.

“As a former athlete, I saw firsthand from my own struggles how mental health challenges after a concussion can be overlooked,” said Montee Ball, former Denver Broncos running back and College Football Hall of Famer. “SB26-060 gives coaches the tools to recognize warning signs, speak up early, and connect families to mental health support. This is about protecting young athletes as whole people, not just getting them back in their field of play.”

Right now, mental health training for coaches is inconsistent. Some schools and programs do a great job, while others lack resources or clear expectations. Public understanding of the intersections of young people’s athleticism with their mental health is limited. A statewide requirement ensures that all young athletes, no matter where they live or their athletic pursuit, receive a higher standard of protection and care.

“Early awareness and clear communication are some of the most powerful tools we have to protect young athletes’ mental health,” said Dr. Mark Allen, owner and founder of Peak Sports Psychiatry. “When coaches understand what warning signs to look for and parents are informed about potential mental health impacts, concerns are far more likely to be addressed before they become emergencies. That leads to fewer crises, fewer ER visits, and healthier outcomes for kids across Colorado.”

Last summer, Children’s Hospital Colorado reported a 26% spike in emergency room visits for youth mental health. The number of kids needing inpatient care at the CHC hospital system jumped more than 55% from 2020 to 2024.