'It's about the well-being of these kids,' Law requires mental health training for coaches

Two years after sending a tweet lobbying for mental health training for high school coaches, St. Francis DeSales lacrosse coach Matt Triplet's dream became a reality.

With the help of lobbyist Eric Weldele and Ohio Reps. Mike Loychik (R-65th District) and Gail Pavliga (R-72nd District), Ohio House Bill 33 is the first in the country to require all Ohio high school coaches to undergo mental health training.

"So many people don't realize how important it is until it's too late, so let's get in front of this thing," Triplet said.

Triplet went through mental health training in 2018 and held a class for other coaches interested in the training. Out of 350 coaches who were invited, nine showed up. Now, the training isn't just for those looking to add another tool to their coaching arsenal; it's mandatory.

"It's about the well-being of these kids," St. Ursula lacrosse coach Todd Graham said. "What can we do for these young people to help them through this difficult thing that everybody's going through right now?"

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How do coaches get certified?

Coaches can complete the new training at the same time as their recertification, which typically occurs on a three-year cycle. The bill states that coaches may also complete the training "at any time within the duration of the individual's new or renewed permit."

Triplet said the law was written to allow the training to be completed in waves so that the trainers are not overwhelmed.

"I think there's going to be a bunch initially and then as people get everything renewed, it's going to be on that kind of a three-year cycle," Triplet said.

What does the training include?

The curriculum for the training has not yet been formulated. The Ohio Department of Mental Health will write and approve the curriculum because they work directly with psychologists. Leaving the course to the professionals also allows for easier updates as requirements for mental health training change.

"The reason why we didn't put specific requirements in the legislation is because, as things evolve and as things change, in order for us to change in the future, it would require another piece of legislation," Triplet said.

What does it mean for coaches and athletes?

The law will benefit more than just the coaches who will be trained, Triplet said. The bond between coach and athlete can be a special one and this law adds an additional aspect of trust between the two.

For the coaches, the biggest benefit will be knowing what to do when their players experience mental health episodes. It can be compared to standard first aid or an on-field injury evaluation.

Some coaches may react in a harsh manner when their players make a mistake or display negative body language. Triplet harkens back to an interaction with one of his players who was angry as he came off the field. The two had a conversation and it turned out the player was having a panic attack.

"When I walked away from my conversation with my kid, I didn't know who to contact," Triplet said.

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But now Triplet is equipped with the proper tools to handle the situation and soon other coaches will be too.

For athletes, the trust that this law builds makes the connection to their coaches that much stronger. Even before a mental health episode occurs, athletes and parents should feel comfortable letting a coach know if circumstances may arise so they are prepared.

Graham is no stranger to mental health awareness. His son Rob struggled with mental health as a Moeller High School student. His experiences with his son inspired him and the St. Ursula lacrosse team to support the Turpin community after two students died by apparent suicide.

Could it lead to similar laws in other states?

Triplet is currently working with Marcus Alston, who played football at St. Francis (Pennsylvania) and is crafting a similar bill in Maryland. Being first in the country was never Triplet's priority; he wants to make sure students get the help they need.

"It's definitely cool to be a part of something on the front end and if we can start to get this across the country, I definitely think it'd be a huge thing for the student-athletes," Triplet said.

While the idea was still in its infancy, former Ohio High School Athletic Association director Jerry Snodgrass reached out to Triplet to advise him to go through the Senate and House of Representatives. The OHSAA can recommend the training, but not require it since it is a member-based organization. Additionally, coaches are licensed by the state and the training is now part of their licensure.

All the work put into passing the law was done pro-bono, Triplet said. If coaches, lobbyists or representatives in other states are hesitant about beginning similar legislation, he wants them to know that cost doesn't need to be an inhibitor.

"He's taken the right steps to make that impact and bring that awareness to other coaches and other programs," Graham said.