Background checks for youth sports leagues

Colorado is considering becoming the first state to require background checks for people who work for youth sports organizations.

The state Senate starts work Wednesday on a proposal to require background checks for employees to address concerns about sex abuse in youth sports leagues outside schools.

The measure would also require background checks of volunteers, if the volunteers go on overnight trips with the children.

Supporters say that private youth sports leagues lack the safety oversight found in schools and day care centers, and that children are at risk.

But expect some opponents who say the private sports leagues should set their own rules and not have a government background-check mandate.