A new Colorado law requires youth coaches to attend trainings that focus on the mental health issues among young athletes.

Colorado requires middle, junior high and high school coaches in public and private schools to attend training on mental health. Currently, training is required to cover concerns specific to young athletes such as anxiety disorders, depression and suicide prevention.

These training requirements result from 2026 legislation called Alyssa’s Youth Concussion and Mental Health Protection Act. It was named after a young athlete who died by suicide at age 13, following mental health struggles likely connected with multiple concussions.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.