S.550

North Carolina S550 requires youth athletics coaches to complete youth mental health first aid training.

North Carolina S550 mandates that all coaches and athletic directors in middle and high schools complete an approved youth mental health first aid training program. The State Board of Education will select and publish approved training programs annually. Counties and cities must ensure youth athletics organizations can demonstrate coach certifications before accessing public facilities. The act also updates student health and safety rules to include mental health first aid training for coaches. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.