OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine announced training resources will be available for Ohio school athletics coaches to help them support their athletes struggling with mental health issues.

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 33, the recently passed biennial budget, has a provision that requires all coaches to complete the training before they can apply or renew their pupil activity program permits

  • The law requires the Ohio Department of Education to work with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to provide approved trainings that help coaches meet requirements needed for their pupil activity permits

  • The training must be completed each time an individual applies for or renews a pupil activity and give evidence they completed it to the State Board of Education

House Bill 33, the recently passed biennial budget, has a provision that requires all coaches to complete the training before they can apply or renew their pupil activity program permits.

“Coaches know how to motivate young people and lead them to success on the field, but may not be aware of how to help student-athletes with the challenges they may be facing off the field,” said DeWine in a news release. “The goal is to give coaches the tools they need to help identify student athletes who may be struggling and connect them with the help they need.”

The law requires the Ohio Department of Education to work with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to provide approved trainings that help coaches meet requirements needed for their pupil activity permits. The permits are required for licensed educators and non-licensed school employees who direct, supervise or coach a student activity program.

The training must be completed each time an individual applies for or renews a pupil activity and give evidence they completed it to the State Board of Education.

“This law does not intend to make coaches act as therapists or other mental health professionals,” said Lori Criss, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services director. “The training helps them recognize signs of potential mental health issues and how to take action to connect students and their families with the right people in their communities who can help.”

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's Protecting Youth Mental Health advisory said students face a new set of challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, in the decade leading up to the pandemic, feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased nearly 40% among young people.

“Coaches have a unique view of students’ lives as they face challenges and experience successes alongside their peers outside of the school day,” said Dr. Chris Woolard, interim superintendent of public instruction. “Mental health training can help coaches recognize and respond to students’ needs to ensure they are supported in all of their environments, including athletics spaces.”

Athletic coaches can access the approved trainings through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services webpage. Some of the approved trainings are available at no cost. Individuals can access more information about the requirement on the Department’s coaching permits webpage.

For more on what Ohio is doing to address mental illness and substance use disorders, visit the OhioMHAS website.

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