Learning Center
Do Assistant and Volunteer Coaches Need CPR in California?
Starting January 1, 2027, California youth sports organizations must make sure their coaches are certified in CPR and AED use. A common question: who counts as a coach?
How the law defines “coach”
Health & Safety Code §124238 defines a coach as “a person appointed by the youth sports organization to supervise or instruct a participant in a sport.” The law doesn’t say whether that person is paid or a volunteer.
Head coaches
Head coaches are appointed to supervise and instruct, so they fit the definition.
Assistant coaches
If your league appoints assistants to supervise or instruct players, they likely fit the definition too. Many leagues certify every rostered head and assistant coach to keep it simple.
Team parents and other volunteers
Team parents, scorekeepers and snack-bar volunteers usually don’t supervise or instruct players. Whether to include them is your league’s call.
Check your own rules
Your governing body may require more than state law. This article is a general guide, not legal advice.
Make it easy
Prepaid seats don’t expire, so you can certify coaches as they’re appointed, and track everyone in one admin portal.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does a volunteer coach count?
The law's definition is based on whether the organization appointed the person to supervise or instruct, not on whether they're paid.
What about coaches who join mid-season?
Certify them when they're appointed.
Does this apply to school teams?
School teams follow separate Education Code rules and CIF bylaws. This article is about community and club youth sports.