What You Need to Know about SB24-113
Youth sports play an essential role in developing leadership, teamwork, and confidence in children of all ages. As organizations develop these skills in their players, they must also prioritize their safety and well-being. Colorado aims to achieve this with its Safer Youth Sports Bill (SB24-113), a measure with higher standards for safety, accountability, and transparency in youth sports organizations.
If you operate a youth sports league in Colorado, now is the time to prepare for the changes.
What Is SB24-113?
With 90% of child abuse cases involving someone the child knows and trusts, SB24-113 represents more than just policy, focusing on prevention, education, and accountability. It introduces mandatory requirements for youth sports organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, that oversee athletic activities for children under 18.
Key Requirements for Compliance
Below are four key provisions of SB24-113.
Criminal Background Screening
One of the most impactful components of the bill is the implementation of criminal background checks for all coaches, staff members, and volunteers who regularly interact with athletes or supervise overnight travel.
These checks must include:
- Search of Felony convictions for child abuse or sex offenses
- Social Security number tracing
- Nationwide public record search
- Ongoing rescreening every 3 years
Mandatory Abuse Prevention Training
Every coach, staff member, and volunteer must complete annual training on abuse prevention, and organizations must maintain proof of this training on file.
Prohibited Conduct Policies
Organizations are required to establish formal Codes of Conduct outlining unacceptable behaviors for coaches, athletes, parents, and spectators.
Public Accountability and Statewide Reporting
Organizations must post a standardized notice from the Colorado Attorney General’s Office explaining the new safety requirements. Additionally, confirmed policy violations must be reported to the AG, which will maintain a searchable statewide list of individuals with documented infractions.
What SB24-113 Means for Youth Sports Organizations
If you run a youth sports league, including sports clubs and sports camps, in Colorado, compliance with this legislation isn’t optional. Organizations need to take steps to address key provisions, including but not limited to:
- Implement or enhance background screening policies
- Review and update coach training systems
- Adopt or revise prohibited conduct and reporting policies
- Develop internal tracking systems for background screening and training
- Display required notices and stay informed on AG guidance
The goal of these provisions is to create safer, more accountable environments, making sure youth sports remain a place of growth and not harm.
Partner With Experts in Youth Sports Screening & Compliance
Navigating legislative changes such as SB24-113 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Protect Youth Sports specializes in helping youth sports organizations build safer programs through streamlined background screening and Child Safety Training.
As you prepare to meet Colorado’s new standards, we’re here to help with your background screening and child safety training needs. Have questions about your organization’s next steps? Reach out today to talk to our team!
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice, guidance, or counsel. Readers and/or companies need to consult their own legal counsel about their compliance responsibilities under the FCRA and applicable state and local laws. Protect Youth Sports disclaims any responsibility or damages associated with or resulting from the information provided.
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