Starting April 26, 2013 all youth sports coaches and referees/officials must be in compliance with Ohio House Bill 143 which has to do with Concussion Awareness and Management. The highlights of the new law are:

1. Every youth coach and referee or official must complete a Concussion Management Course.
2. The parents of youth athletes must be supplied with a Concussion Awareness Information Sheet annually for each sport.
3. Coaches, referees, or officials must remove an athlete from play if the athlete is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a concussion during practice or a game. These include:
   • Appears dazed or stunned
   • Is confused about assignment or position
   • Forgets plays
   • Is unsure of game, score or opponent
   • Moves clumsily
   • Answers questions slowly
   • Loses consciousness
   • Shows behavior or personality changes
   • Can’t recall events before or after hit or fall
   • Any headache or “pressure” in head
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Balance problems or dizziness
   • Double or blurry vision
   • Sensitivity to light and/or noise
   • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
   • Concentration or memory problems
   • Confusion
   • Does not “feel right”
   • Trouble falling asleep
   • Sleeping more or less than usual
4. The athlete cannot return to play on the same day that player is removed.
5. The athlete is not permitted to return to play until they have been assessed and received written clearance by a physician or by any or the health care provided approved by the youth sports organization.

For More Information

• Ohio Department of Health - Ohio’s Return to Play Law: www.healthyohioprogram.org/concussion
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Returning to School after a Concussion