TRENTON, N.J. — A bipartisan group of New Jersey lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening protections for children participating in youth sports by requiring annual criminal background checks for coaches and instructors.
The bill, A4692, was introduced Wednesday by Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, Assemblyman Jay Webber, and Assemblywoman Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie.
If enacted, the measure would require individuals who coach or instruct children in sports programs to undergo yearly criminal background checks, establishing a consistent statewide standard for youth sports organizations.
“As a mom, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of our children,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-Atlantic). “Families trust youth sports leagues, clubs, and organizations with their kids every single day. This legislation ensures that every adult in those spaces is subject to consistent, thorough background checks so parents can have greater peace of mind.”
Lawmakers said the proposal was partly prompted by findings from a June 2025 nj.com investigation titled “Prey to Play,” which reported that more than 100 coaches, trainers and sports complex owners have been accused of sex crimes against minors. The investigation found that 57 of those cases occurred since 2020.
According to the report, some of the individuals were able to gain access to children by exploiting gaps in background check requirements and incomplete offender databases.
“We know that predators go where the children are. The vetting process has not kept pace with the explosive growth of youth activities and the increasing demand for adult leaders like coaches, trainers, and instructors,” Webber (R-Morris), the bill’s second prime sponsor, said. “We need to shore up regulations and oversight over youth organizations to protect New Jersey’s children.”
Supporters of the legislation say current rules vary widely between sports leagues and organizations, with some requiring thorough background checks and others requiring none.
“Nothing is more important than ensuring that every adult who works with our children keeps them safe,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie. “That responsibility extends to every area of their lives, including youth leagues, sports clubs, and training programs across our state. Requiring annual criminal background checks for coaches and instructors will establish a clear, consistent statewide standard, close gaps in the current system, and strengthen protections for children participating in youth sports.”
Existing laws have allowed some coaches accused of misconduct to continue working in youth sports due to inconsistent screening policies, lawmakers said.
The state’s sex offender registry, created under Megan’s Law in 1994, also may not capture many offenders, according to a 2009 study cited in the nj.com investigation. The report found that 72% of offenders covered by the law do not appear on the public registry, and only 14 of 118 coaches accused of sex crimes since 2015 were listed as registered sex offenders online.
