Program 02

HEART START: Every coach, CPR-ready.

$85

Funds one coach certification

New CA Law

Every youth coach, CPR & AED certified

Under the Nevaeh Youth Sports Safety Act (AB 310 / Health and Safety Code § 124238.5), signed into law October 3, 2025, California youth sports organizations must make sure their coaches are certified in CPR and AED operation — recertified at least every two years — by January 1, 2027, and keep a written cardiac emergency response plan on file. HEART START funds those certifications for West Sacramento parks & rec coaches so no local league is caught short.

Countdown to compliance — January 1, 2027

Fund a coach's CPR & AED certificationMerch sales help fund HEART START grants that pay for CPR and AED certification courses for West Sacramento youth parks & rec coaches. $85 puts one coach through the course.Shop Best Sac merch →

Coach readiness checklist — how to be compliant before January 1, 2027

01
Check who's covered
If you coach for a California youth sports organization, the law applies to you — head coaches and assistants alike.
02
Get CPR & AED certified
Complete a certification course that includes hands-on CPR practice and AED operation. HEART START grants can cover the cost.
03
File a cardiac emergency response plan
Your organization must keep a written plan on file covering who calls 911, who starts CPR, and who retrieves the AED.
04
Mark your recert date
Certification must be renewed at least every two years — add the renewal date to your calendar now.
05
Plan for AED access
Starting January 1, 2028, the law's AED-access requirement kicks in — ask your league where its nearest AED is today.
06
Keep proof of certification
Save your certification card and records so your league can verify every coach is covered.

Need help getting your league certified? Apply for a HEART START coach grant.

HEART START

Apply for a Coach Grant

Youth coaches and leagues in West Sacramento can apply for HEART START funding to cover CPR & AED certification before the January 1, 2027 deadline.

Free CPR training and grants for coaches

Coming soon: a list of free and low-cost CPR/AED courses for California youth coaches.