RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — For many student athletes, coaches are more than figures on the field.
North Carolina lawmakers and mental health advocates say they are often the first trusted adults to notice when a young person is struggling mentally, and now there is a renewed push at the General Assembly to make sure they know how to respond.
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State Sen. Caleb Theodros (D-Mecklenburg) joined advocates Thursday to promote “Coaches Care Act,” a bill that would require youth mental health first aid training for middle and high school coaches across the state.
“Coaches are often among the first to notice when something is not right,” Theodros said. “They see the long practices, the quiet moments and the changes in behaviors that others might not see.”
The renewed push comes after the North Carolina High School Athletic Association voted unanimously to require high school coaches to complete mental health training every three years. The training is designed to help coaches recognize signs of mental health distress and substance abuse.
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“This is not about asking coaches to become counselors. It is about making sure that they’re not left guessing when a student needs help,” Theodros said.
Sean Crocker, head football coach at Panther Creek High School in Cary, said coaches build close relationships with student athletes through long hours of practices and workouts.
“It’s a very hands-on situation,” Crocker said. “A lot of times when they develop a good bond in conversations, they bring their problems as well as their triumphs to you.”
Crocker said student athletes often face pressure both on and off the field. They are balancing school, sports and scholarships.
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“It’s overwhelming for a lot of players. And it’s just a matter of when it hits. But with the proper support and reassurances, we do the best we can to get those guys through,” he said.
The legislation would expand training requirements beyond high school sports to include middle school coaches and other adults working in youth sports programs.
While the bill itself is still sitting in committee, supporters say the NCHSAA’s unanimous board vote shows there is already broad support for this type of training across North Carolina’s sports community.
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