A lawmaker in Michigan has introduced a bill that would require all of the state's coaches, assistant coaches and athletic trainers of grades K through 12 to undergo training on sexual misconduct.
State representative Tim Greimel, a Democrat from Auburn Hills, introduced House Bill 6452, which would incorporate the SafeSport online training program or an equivalent program on sexual assault awareness approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
According to the Holland Sentinel, the U.S. Center for SafeSport began operations in 2017, in the wake of the Larry Nassar scandal that ensnared Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, with a mission devoted to make athletes’ well-being the centerpiece in sports, protecting athletes from bullying, hazing, sexual misconduct or any form of emotional or physical abuse.
If the bill, which has been referred to the committee on law and justice, becomes law, the training would have to begin within seven days of an employee's hire date. Current employees would have to complete it within 30 days of the bill being signed into law. All employees would have to provide a certificate of completion to the school district, with failure to do so would resulting in immediate termination.
