Rep. Howard Looks to Protect Kids who Play Youth Sports

STONINGTON- To better protect our children and youth sport participates, State Rep. Greg Howard (R-43) has proposed a bill this legislative session which would require background checks for coaches, trainers and instructors.

The legislation, HB-5028 An Act Requiring Background Checks for Youth Sports Coaches, Trainers and Instructors has been referred to the Children’s Committee for possible drafting and public hearing.

“Volunteer sports coaches hold positions which place them in direct contact with children. A background check or screening is a common-sense approach in preventing possible abuse of minors,” said Rep. Greg Howard, who is also a volunteer Stonington football coach. “Let’s make sure we identify people with a history of crimes or offenses involving minors or other vulnerable persons never get access to children.”

Current Connecticut law requires all public school employees hired on or after July 1, 1994, including coaches, to submit to state and national criminal history record checks when they are hired. In addition, school boards have the option of requiring checks of employees hired earlier. The law also allows private schools to require their applicants and employees to submit to checks. The state criminal records check requirement does not apply to those who volunteer in schools or to non-school-sponsored activities.

The Children’s Committee bill deadline is March 16.