Concussion Legislation

Good Morning Everyone!

I wanted to start by letting everyone know about the new concussion legislation that was introduced yesterday. This house bill, supported by the collaboration of the OATA, the Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics (OAAP), Ohio Brain Injury Association (OBIA), Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association, along with Representatives Michael Stinziano and Sean O’Brien, was developed to introduce Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury legislation for youth sports. The OATA is honored to be a part of the coalition of health care providers related to this Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury Legislation for youth sports safety. This exciting legislation will be a new testament to our commitment to all of our youth in every sport.

The house bill, which has not been assigned a number yet, will be able to be read online by the end of the week. The information that follows gives some of the highlighted details concerning what the legislation entails.

Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury Legislation for Youth Sports Safety

March 2011

·         The Ohio Athletic Trainers’ Association supports the new HB , which requires both school sponsored sports and youth sports organizations to adhere to certain requirements for the appropriate evaluation of head injuries and concussions before an athlete is permitted to return to participation.

·         Legislation revises provisions of Ohio law with regard to head injuries and concussions in athletics and youth sports.

Following are some of the important aspects in the bill that protect youth athletes:

Defines Youth Sports Organizations:

·         Group that organizes athletic activity for athletes nineteen or younger.

·         Pays a fee to participate in athletics or cost is sponsored by business or nonprofit organization.

Coach Certification Requirements:

·         Requires a coach for a youth sport organization MUST hold a pupil activity permit (PAP) for coaching interscholastic athletics.

·         Creates a new curriculum for the PAP to include information focused on brain trauma and brain injury management.

Participation in Athletics and Youth Sports Organizations:

·         Requires a signed form by parent and student confirming receipt of concussion and head injury information sheet.

·         A coach is required to remove a student on the suspicion of a concussion or head injury.

·         Student cannot return to practice or competition on the same day a head injury occurs.

·         To return to participation, physician or licensed athletic trainer must assess student and provide written clearance.

Regulation by the Ohio Department of Health:

·         Oversee the program.

·         Create concussion and head injury sheet for interscholastic athletics and youth sports organizations to inform and educate coaches, parents, and athletes of risks.

·         Update the information sheet annually and make it available online.

·         Develop a free online training program and in recognizing and evaluating concussions and head injuries for coaches and youth sports organizations.

Include certification of successful completion of training

Stay safe and have a great day!