California Youth Sports Compliance Guide 2025

California has specific regulations for youth sports organizations to ensure child safety and proper operations. This guide covers all compliance requirements for sports clubs operating in California.

Background Check Requirements

• Mandatory Checks - All coaches, volunteers with regular contact must complete background checks
• DOJ Fingerprinting - California Department of Justice fingerprint clearance required
• FBI Check - Federal background check through FBI database
• Sex Offender Registry - Check against Megan's Law database
• Renewal Period - Background checks must be renewed every 2 years
• Disqualifying Offenses - Violent crimes, sex offenses, child abuse automatically disqualify
• Record Keeping - Maintain records of all background checks for 3 years

Concussion Protocol (AB 2127)

• Annual Training - All coaches must complete concussion awareness training annually
• Immediate Removal - Athletes with suspected concussion must be removed immediately
• Medical Clearance - Written clearance from licensed healthcare provider required to return
• Parent Education - Provide concussion information sheet to parents annually
• Documentation - Document all suspected concussions and return-to-play clearances
• Gradual Return - Follow graduated return-to-play protocol
• No Same-Day Return - Athletes cannot return to play same day as concussion

Heat Illness Prevention (AB 2800)

• Water Access - Unlimited water access during all practices and games
• Shade Availability - Provide shaded areas for rest and recovery
• Acclimatization Period - Gradual increase in intensity during first 2 weeks
• Heat Illness Training - Coaches must complete heat illness prevention training
• Emergency Action Plan - Written plan for heat-related emergencies
• Temperature Monitoring - Monitor temperature and adjust activities accordingly
• Rest Breaks - Mandatory rest breaks every 30 minutes in high heat

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention (SB 1386)

• Annual Information Sheet - Provide SCA information to athletes and parents annually
• Warning Signs Training - Coaches must know warning signs of cardiac arrest
• Emergency Response - Have AED available and staff trained in CPR
• Removal Protocol - Remove athlete showing SCA symptoms immediately
• Medical Evaluation - Require cardiac evaluation before return to play
• Documentation - Document all SCA-related incidents and clearances

Child Abuse Reporting (AB 1432)

• Mandated Reporters - All coaches and staff are mandated reporters
• Reporting Training - Complete mandated reporter training every 2 years
• Immediate Reporting - Report suspected abuse to authorities within 36 hours
• Documentation - Document observations and reports made
• Confidentiality - Maintain confidentiality of reports and investigations
• No Retaliation - Protect reporters from retaliation
• Hotline Access - Provide access to child abuse reporting hotline

Insurance Requirements

• General Liability - Minimum $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate
• Participant Accident - Coverage for participant injuries during activities
• Directors & Officers - Liability coverage for board members and officers
• Property Insurance - Coverage for equipment and facilities
• Workers Compensation - Required if organization has employees
• Proof of Insurance - Provide certificates of insurance to facilities
• Annual Review - Review and update coverage annually

Nonprofit Compliance

• 501(c)(3) Status - Maintain federal tax-exempt status
• Annual Filing - File Form 990 with IRS annually
• State Registration - Register with California Attorney General
• Charitable Solicitation - Register if soliciting donations
• Board Requirements - Maintain minimum 3 board members
• Bylaws - Keep current bylaws on file
• Meeting Minutes - Document all board meetings

Facility and Equipment Safety

• Regular Inspections - Inspect facilities and equipment before each use
• Maintenance Records - Document all maintenance and repairs
• Safety Equipment - Provide appropriate safety equipment for all activities
• ADA Compliance - Ensure facilities meet accessibility requirements
• Emergency Exits - Clearly mark and maintain emergency exits
• First Aid Supplies - Maintain well-stocked first aid kits
• Incident Reports - Document all injuries and incidents

Privacy and Data Protection

• CCPA Compliance - Follow California Consumer Privacy Act requirements
• Data Collection - Only collect necessary personal information
• Parental Consent - Obtain consent for minors under 13 (COPPA)
• Data Security - Implement security measures to protect personal data
• Privacy Policy - Maintain clear privacy policy on website
• Data Retention - Establish data retention and deletion policies
• Breach Notification - Have plan for data breach notification

Employment Law Compliance

• Minimum Wage - Pay at least California minimum wage ($16/hour in 2024)
• Overtime Rules - Pay overtime for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week
• Meal and Rest Breaks - Provide required breaks for employees
• Workers Comp - Carry workers compensation insurance
• Payroll Taxes - Withhold and pay required payroll taxes
• Employee Classification - Properly classify employees vs. contractors
• Labor Law Posters - Display required labor law posters

Compliance Checklist

• Annual - Renew insurance, file Form 990, conduct safety training
• Every 2 Years - Renew background checks, mandated reporter training
• Before Season - Distribute concussion and SCA info sheets
• Monthly - Review incident reports, update safety protocols
• Ongoing - Monitor regulatory changes, maintain documentation
• As Needed - Report suspected abuse, update emergency action plans

Compliance with California youth sports regulations protects children, reduces liability, and demonstrates your organization's commitment to safety. Use compliance management software to track requirements, automate reminders, and maintain proper documentation.

Related Resources

Learn more about related topics:

• [Data Privacy For Sports Clubs Gdpr](/blog/data-privacy-for-sports-clubs-gdpr)
• [Safeguarding In Sports Clubs](/blog/safeguarding-in-sports-clubs)
• [Sports Club Governance Guide](/blog/sports-club-governance-guide)

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• [Explore All Features](/features) - See how ClubLogic can transform your club
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