Proposed bill calls for regulation of California high school athletic trainers

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — California has greater than 750,000 highschool pupil athletes, however who’s watching out for his or her well being and well-being?

That is the query some lawmakers are asking as California is the one state within the nation that does not regulate who can name themselves an athletic coach. Meaning lots of them may not have the experience crucial to guard pupil athletes.

“The apply of using untrained and unqualified athletic trainers places our pupil athletes in danger,” mentioned Assemblymember Akilah Weber of San Diego, who’s pushing for Meeting Invoice 796 (AB 796), which might require anybody who calls himself or herself an athletic coach to register with the California Division of Shopper Affairs and have nationwide certification.

“They will acknowledge indicators of fatigue, determine threat elements on the subject of accidents and sickness and intervene in emergency conditions,” mentioned Nick Harvey with the California Athletic Trainers’ Affiliation.

The problem is being pushed simply months after an outpouring of help for 24-year-old Buffalo Payments security Damar Hamlin, who collapsed throughout a sport towards the Cincinatti Bengals final season. Terrified teammates and followers watched as emergency employees shocked him again to life utilizing a defibrillator and carried out CPR.

Officers mentioned the fast actions of the staff’s athletic coach contributed to saving his life.

Throughout a press convention on Tuesday, Los Angeles Rams Vice President of Sports activities Medication Reggie Scott additionally spoke in favor of AB 796.

“It creates a authorized framework by which we are able to assure that our athletes are receiving the most effective medical care potential,” he mentioned.

Many faculty districts throughout California have licensed athletic trainers, however Weber mentioned districts in low-income communities are normally at an obstacle.

“For instance, in San Diego the place I characterize, we’ve got 63% of athletic trainers are licensed nationally. In Los Angeles, it is 4.8%,” she mentioned.

So will this turn out to be regulation? AB 796 handed out of an meeting committee on Tuesday, however there are nonetheless a number of hurdles left. If it makes it by means of the state legislature, it could have to be signed into regulation by Gov. Gavin Newsom.