53H-6-203. Abusive coaching policies.
(1) As used in this section: "Abusive coaching practice" means conduct by a coach or member of the coaching staff that creates a harmful environment for a student athlete. "Abusive coaching practice" includes conduct by a coach or coaching staff with a student athlete that results in: harmful or offensive physical contact; sexual misconduct or harassment; inappropriate sexual language; or conduct that a reasonable person would find to be psychologically abusive. "Athletic department" means the division of a degree-granting institution responsible for overseeing intercollegiate athletic programs.
(2) A degree-granting institution shall: address abusive coaching practices by requiring a degree-granting institution's athletic department to adopt a policy by November 7, 2025, that: allows an individual to submit a complaint to the athletic department alleging a violation of the policies described in this Subsection; (2)(a) prohibits coaches and coaching staff from encouraging or advising a student athlete to tolerate an abusive coaching practice; prohibits coaches and coaching staff from discouraging a report for an abusive coaching practice; establishes reporting requirements for a volunteer, coach, or member of the coaching staff who learns of an abusive coaching practice; mandates training for athletic department staff on recognizing and preventing an abusive coaching practice; establishes a procedure for the athletic department to follow when responding to a complaint of an abusive coaching practice; and institutes disciplinary action for individuals found in violation of the policies described in this Subsection; (2)(a) submit the policy described in Subsectionto the board and Education Interim Committee before the Education Interim Committee's November 2025 meeting; and (2)(a) establish procedures to: notify an individual of the receipt of the complaint the individual submits under Subsection, within five business days after the submission of the complaint; (2)(a)(i) initiate an investigation of the complaint no later than 30 days after the receipt of a complaint; require the degree-granting institution to ensure the investigation is as thorough and expeditious as possible; and where appropriate, act immediately to stop a program under an athletic department until the degree-granting institution is able to restore an environment that is not harmful.
(3) A degree-granting institution's board of trustees shall: review the policies a degree-granting institution creates in accordance with Subsection; and (2)(a) approve the policies a degree-granting institution creates if the policies meet the policy requirements listed in Subsection. (2)(a) Upon approval of the policies by a degree granting institution's board of trustees a degree-granting institution shall send the adopted policies to the board.