Safety Training Seminars provides American Red Cross CPR, AED, and First Aid certification courses in Sacramento. These training options can help local coaches and sports administrators strengthen their emergency preparedness while reviewing their responsibilities under California law.
How AB 310 Changes Youth Sports Safety Responsibilities in Sacramento
California Health and Safety Code Section 124238.5 was modified by AB 310 (Chapter 254, Statutes of 2025), which was signed into law on October 3, 2025. Its goal is to improve organized youth athletics’ readiness for cardiac emergencies.
Organizations, companies, nonprofits, and local government agencies that fund or run amateur sports contests, training, camps, or clubs with players 17 years of age or younger are generally defined as qualified youth sports organizations.
For Sacramento sports administrators, the key requirement is that qualifying organizations must ensure their coaches are certified to perform CPR and operate an AED. They must also establish a written cardiac emergency response plan.
Important AB 310 implementation dates
Date | Requirement |
January 1, 2027 | Coach CPR and AED certification requirements and written cardiac emergency response planning begin. |
Every two years | Coaches must be recertified at least every two years. |
Annually | The emergency response plan must be reviewed with coaches and staff, with required electronic communication to parents or guardians. |
January 1, 2028 | AED access during official practices and matches, along with applicable maintenance and testing requirements, takes effect. |
The certification must be offered by an accredited organization and consistent with national evidence-based cardiovascular care guidelines. The law allows training to be conducted in person or online.
A subsequent legislative update, AB 387 (Chapter 502, Statutes of 2026), addresses AED access at permanent sports facilities. A qualifying facility may procure and maintain an AED and ensure the youth sports organization can access it. If an AED is not available at the facility, the youth sports organization must ensure an operational AED is available throughout the official practice or match.
Sacramento’s School and Community Sports Programs Need Clear Emergency Procedures
Sacramento has a broad youth athletics network that makes emergency preparedness relevant across different sports and locations.
Athletic programs at C.K. McClatchy High School, Hiram Johnson High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Luther Burbank High School, and Rosemont High School are supported by the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD). Seasonal tournaments and chances in a variety of sports are part of its athletic programs.
Recreation in the community adds another level. Youth sports programs offered by the City of Sacramento include Junior Giants baseball and softball, NFL Flag Football, and Jr. NBA Basketball. Practices, planned games, and organized involvement at nearby facilities are all part of these activities.
Sports venues that serve as venues for youth athletics include William Land Park, Tahoe Park, Hagginwood Park, and Granite Regional Park.
For a football coach supervising outdoor drills or a basketball coach managing a youth league game, emergency preparedness should include knowing who will call 911, who will begin CPR, and how an AED can be accessed without unnecessary delay.
These responsibilities are particularly important when multiple teams share facilities or when volunteer coaches supervise activities without dedicated medical personnel.
What Should a Youth Sports Emergency Response Plan Include?
AB 310 requires qualifying organizations to maintain a written cardiac emergency response plan consistent with nationally recognized, evidence-based standards.
The plan should clearly explain:
- AED locations: Identify where AEDs are located and the procedures for accessing them during a suspected cardiac emergency.
- Emergency responsibilities: Establish the roles of coaches, administrators, and athletes.
- Communication procedures: Explain how coaches, administrators, and athletes will be notified and trained on the emergency plan.
- Parent communication: Send an annual electronic communication to parents or guardians containing the plan or an internet link, AED locations, and designated staff contacts.
The plan must be reviewed annually with coaches and staff.
Sacramento athletic directors and community sports administrators should also maintain organized certification records, monitor renewal dates, and coordinate with facility operators to understand AED access arrangements before official practices and matches begin.
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification for Sacramento Sports Coaches
It takes more than just realizing that something is wrong to know how to handle a cardiac emergency. While they wait for qualified responders, coaches may need to start CPR, set up emergency assistance, and utilize an AED.
Safety Training Seminars offers American Red Cross CPR, AED, and First Aid certification courses at its Sacramento Midtown training center.
Local training center:
Safety Training Seminars: 2501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 107, Sacramento, CA 95816
Depending on the selected course, participants may learn practical skills such as:
- Recognizing cardiac and breathing emergencies.
- Performing CPR.
- Understanding AED operation and use.
- Responding to choking emergencies.
- Recognizing common First Aid situations.
- Managing appropriate sports-related injury emergencies.
Is First Aid certification required under AB 310?
The particular requirements for CPR and AED certification are outlined in No. AB 310. It does not require general First Aid certification on its own.
However, coaches working with typical sports injuries and other situations can benefit from further training in First Aid. To promote greater emergency preparedness, Sacramento sports organizations can think about integrating pertinent First Aid instruction with CPR and AED training.
Organizations should verify that the provider and course they have selected meet the legal requirements for evidence-based training and accreditation. It is not necessary to assume that a certificate proves AB 310 compliance.
Training Options for Sacramento Athletic Departments and Volunteer Coaches
More than just individual registrations must be coordinated in order to prepare for the legislation. The existing qualifications of their coaching teams should be reviewed by school athletic departments, community leagues, recreation programs, and private sports organizations in order to determine who requires certification or recertification.
Safety Training Seminars provides a local option for coaches and sports professionals seeking American Red Cross CPR, AED, and First Aid education.
Whether you supervise youth football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or recreational athletics, choosing relevant training can help you develop practical emergency response skills.
Explore Sacramento CPR and First Aid certification classes to review available courses and registration information.
Strengthen Youth Sports Emergency Preparedness in Sacramento
Before the next practice or tournament, Sacramento youth sports organizations have a significant chance to enhance their cardiac emergency readiness thanks to AB 310. Program administrators, sports directors, and coaches can start by going over certification criteria, verifying AED access, and making sure emergency protocols are explained.
Take the next step with Safety Training Seminars. Explore American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certification in Sacramento and find a training option that supports your coaching and sports safety responsibilities.