Rep John Ley: Keep sports safe for our children
Youth sports should be a safe place for our children. It’s a place where kids learn teamwork, discipline, and confidence, not a place where parents should have to worry about predators. Unfortunately, recent events have shown us that existing safeguards are not always enough. That is why I am sponsoring House Bill 2180, commonsense legislation to better protect kids in youth sports programs across Washington.
This bill was prompted by a troubling situation in which concerned parents discovered a convicted sex offender had sought to coach their children without disclosing his criminal history. While most coaches are dedicated, caring volunteers with kids’ best interests at heart, this incident exposed dangerous gaps in oversight that put kids at risk. Parents should never have to rely on happenstance or personal investigations to ensure their child’s safety.
House Bill 2180 addresses these gaps directly by requiring background checks for all coaches and individuals who manage or supervise youth sports programs. These background checks would be submitted to the Washington State Patrol before a coach is hired, providing organizations with reliable, consistent information. The cost would fall on Individuals or organizations, and not the taxpayers.
This legislation would also prohibit youth sports organizations from employing anyone convicted of crimes against children or other persons. This is not a partisan issue, but it is essential. Children deserve to be protected from individuals who have already demonstrated a capacity to harm others.
The bill also increases the chances of prevention by requiring the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse and neglect, specifically tailored for youth sports coaches. This training would be made publicly available and required for all youth sports organizations to complete.
Under this legislation, if coaches suspect any child abuse or neglect, they are legally obligated to report it. We can’t ignore the warning signs. Early reporting plays a key role in stopping abuse before it escalates, sparing a child from possible ongoing trauma.
Some may ask whether these requirements place too much responsibility on volunteer coaches or community organizations. I would argue the opposite. This legislation would give sports program operators and coaches clear expectations, consistent standards, and better tools to protect kids. It would empower parents, protect volunteers, and most importantly, safeguard children.
Protecting kids should never be a partisan issue. Youth sports play a vital role in our communities. Families trust these programs with their most precious responsibility: their children. That trust must be earned and reinforced with strong, practical safeguards.
House Bill 2180 is about accountability, prevention, and putting children first. By requiring background checks, establishing mandatory training, and ensuring suspected abuse is reported, we can make youth sports safer for every child in Washington.
When it comes to protecting kids, doing nothing is not an option. I’m hopeful the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee will give this legislation a hearing. It is a necessary step forward.
Protecting children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as lawmakers and as parents. Youth sports should be a safe place where kids can grow, learn, and have fun, and not a setting where families have to worry about hidden dangers.
When parents brought this issue to my attention, it was clear that our current system isn’t strong enough. This bill would close those gaps, give parents peace of mind, and make sure every child is protected. Kids deserve nothing less.
Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, represents Washington’s 18th Legislative District.
As printed in The Columbian and posted on Columbian.com
