Concussion Law: Know the Facts

Posted January 17, 2023

Details about the Ohio Concussion Law

• Prohibits athletes to practice or compete in interscholastic athletics until they have submitted a signed form stating that their parents or guardians have received a concussion and head injury information sheet created by the state Department of Health. 
• Requires youth sports organizations to provide the concussion and head injury information sheet to parents and guardians of those wanting to practice or compete in their athletic activities.
• Prohibits individuals from coaching or refereeing in a youth sports organization without successfully completing a free online training program every three years in recognizing the symptoms of concussions (posted on the Ohio Department of Health’s website) or holding a Pupil Activity Permit from the state Board of Education.
• Requires individuals wanting to coach interscholastic athletics to hold a Pupil Activity Permit. Coaches that already have a current permit must present evidence that they successfully completed the free online training program in recognizing the symptoms of concussions and head injuries, or completed a training program authorized and required by an organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events in order to renew their permit (renewal occurs every three years).
• Directs individuals wanting to referee interscholastic athletics to either hold a Pupil Activity Permit for coaching interscholastic athletics or successfully complete the free online training program every three years in recognizing the symptoms of concussions and head injuries.
• Requires coaches and referees to remove an athlete exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with havin sustained a concussion or head injury from practice or competition in both interscholastic and youth sports.
• Prohibits the athlete to return to play on the same day he/she is removed.
• The athlete cannot return until cleared by a physician or other healthcare provider (such as an athletic trainer or nurse practitioner) working in consultation with or under the supervision of a physician.

Source: Ohio Department of Health (healthyohioprogram.org/concussion)