Youth sports are one of the great proving grounds in life. They teach discipline, teamwork, resilience, and character. But as someone who has spent a lifetime caring for athletes at every level, I can tell you this plainly: nothing matters more than the safety of our kids.
That is why I am so encouraged to see the Coach Safely Act move out of the Louisiana State Senate and advance to the House for consideration.
This is a practical, common-sense piece of legislation with a simple goal, make sure that the adults we entrust with coaching our youngest athletes are prepared to respond when something goes wrong with their health. Under this bill, parents who volunteer to coach children ages 14 and younger would complete a brief online training course to become certified in recognizing and responding to serious health risks like concussions, heat stroke, and sudden cardiac events.
That kind of preparation can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
I’ve spent decades on the sidelines and in operating rooms, working with athletes from youth leagues to the professional ranks. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly injuries can escalate when warning signs are missed—or when well-meaning adults simply don’t know what to look for. The reality is that most youth volunteer coaches are dedicated parents who want to do the right thing. This legislation gives them the tools to do just that.
I was deeply honored earlier this year to be recognized by Governor Jeff Landry during his State of the State address. That recognition was not about me—it was about elevating the importance of athlete safety and the responsibility we all share in protecting the next generation. I am grateful for his leadership and his commitment to this issue.
I also want to commend State Senator Rick Edmonds for sponsoring SB 260 and guiding it through the State Senate. Leadership like his is what turns good ideas into meaningful policy. This bill reflects a thoughtful, proactive approach to a very real problem.
The Coach Safely Act is not burdensome. It does not create unnecessary red tape. It simply ensures that the adults overseeing youth sports have a baseline understanding of how to respond in critical moments. That is a reasonable expectation—and a necessary one.
Now, the focus shifts to the Louisiana House of Representatives.
I urge members of the House to take up this legislation without delay and send it to the Governor’s desk for signature. Every season that passes without these safeguards in place is a missed opportunity to better protect our children.
This is about safety. It’s about responsibility. And most importantly, it’s about doing right by our kids.
James R. Andrews, a Louisiana native, is one of the nation’s most renowned orthopedic surgeons and a leading authority in sports medicine. He is best known for treating elite athletes across professional, collegiate, and youth sports. As the founder of the Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center, he has spent decades advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries, particularly those involving the knee, shoulder, and elbow. While his work with top athletes has defined much of his career, Dr. Andrews’ true passion lies in the prevention of injuries in youth sports. He has served as a team physician for numerous organizations and has played a pivotal role in shaping modern approaches to athlete care and injury prevention at every level of competition.
