§ 3001-b. First aid instruction mandatory for coaches of extra-class public school athletic activities. 1. On and after the effective date of this section, in addition to any provision of law or rule or regulation of the department related to the requirements necessary for teachers within the public school systems, whether certified in physical education or not, to coach any extra-class athletic activity, it shall be required of such teachers, except as provided in subdivision two of this section, to hold a valid certificate of completion of a course of study in first aid knowledge and skills offered by the American National Red Cross and approved by the commissioner, or to meet equivalent requirements as certified by the commissioner. Any such course of study or equivalent requirements must include instruction in the administration of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Prior to the start of each sports season, coaches must provide valid evidence to their chief school officer that their first aid and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge and skills are current pursuant to the requirements established by the American National Red Cross or that they meet equivalent requirements as certified by the commissioner.

2. Persons who have been employed as coaches of extra-class athletic activities in a public school system on the effective date of this section who do not hold a valid certificate of completion of a course of study in first aid knowledge and skills pursuant to subdivision one of this section may continue to coach such sports, provided, however, that such coaches do receive such certification required in subdivision one of this section as soon as practicable after the effective date of this section but not later than twelve months thereafter, provided, however, that the commissioner shall have the authority to establish by rule or regulation an additional time schedule for compliance with this section.