West Virginia Senate Introduces Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act

The bill aims to protect student-athletes by requiring soft-shelled helmet covers for all football players in the state.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The West Virginia Senate has reintroduced the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act, a bill named after a Boone County teenager who died during football practice in 2024. The bill would require the use of soft-shelled helmet covers for all football players in the state and create a Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee to educate on concussions and prevention.

Why it matters

The bill is a response to the tragic death of Cohen Craddock and aims to improve safety for student-athletes across West Virginia. If passed, West Virginia would become the first state to mandate the use of soft-shelled helmet covers, setting a precedent that could influence other states to prioritize student-athlete safety.

The details

The Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act was introduced by State Senator Amy Grady (R-Mason). The bill would require all football players in West Virginia to use soft-shelled helmet covers, a measure intended to reduce the risk of head injuries. Additionally, the bill would create a Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee through a partnership with the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy, which would work to educate student-athletes, coaches, and parents on concussion symptoms and prevention.

  • The bill was initially introduced during the 2025 Legislative Session, passing the Senate before failing in the House Finance Committee.
  • The current version of the bill is now in the Senate Education Committee, before being voted on by the full Senate.

The players

Cohen Craddock

A Boone County teenager who died during football practice in August 2024, inspiring the creation of the safety bill that bears his name.

Amy Grady

A Republican state senator from Mason, West Virginia, who introduced the Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act.

West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy

The state agency that would partner with the Student Athlete Safety Advisory Committee to educate on concussions and prevention.

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What they’re saying

“I really believe in this bill. As a mom, as a teacher, as a coach. I believe in protecting our student athletes. And, I think that should be a top priority. I really, really was touched by the passion shown by Cohen's family. And, I really wanted to take this bill.”

— Amy Grady, State Senator (wvnstv.com)

“Really, the Craddock family has really led this charge. And, I feel like, you know, coming from a place where I feel, I feel their passion, and they're taking something that was so traumatic to them, and they're trying to turn it into something that other families won't experience, and they want to protect other students. And, I think that alone is a reason for us in West Virginia to be the first ones to do it.”

— Amy Grady, State Senator (wvnstv.com)

What’s next

The bill is currently in the Senate Education Committee, before being voted on by the full Senate. If passed, West Virginia would become the first state to require soft-shelled helmet covers for all football players.

The takeaway

The Cohen Craddock Student Athlete Safety Act represents a proactive step by West Virginia lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of student-athletes. By mandating protective equipment and concussion education, the state aims to prevent tragedies like the one that took Cohen Craddock's life and ensure a safer playing field for all young athletes.