Ohio Concussion Requirements for coaches
The Ohio “Return-To-Play Law” went into effect on April 26th, 2013. This is a topic that will come up often between now and April 1 (hint that’s our organizational deadline … as in no later than, must be done before … there’s something that you need to do!).
So, what does this mean for you … YOU MUST BE CERTIFIED in the new law. We will distribute (several times, several ways) the “Youth Sports Concussion Information Sheet”. This will be done by the organization and by each coach (with me copied).
What does this mean for our organization … We must be able to prove that our adult game participants (coaches, umpires, etc) have been certified. This means that not only do you have to be certified, you need to send me confirmation of your certification.
Steps to compliance – First, forward this to your assistant coaches … they need to be certified too. The sooner they do this, the easier it all becomes. As Head Coaches, please send me your assistant coach information (Name, Contact information so that I can keep everything on file).
Since this is a free resource anyone interested may take the courses. - If you have a player that has experienced a concussion or concerned parents let them know about this resource.
1) Visit the following websites:
http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html
2) Read ALL of the information provided there
3) Read the Concussion Information Sheet for Youth Sports Organizations (attached here for your convenience)
4) Save the attached Concussion Information Sheet to your computer
5) Send the Concussion Information Sheet to your team (once you get your teams) and copy me (
)
6) Complete the “Online Concussion Management Training”
a. The following free online trainings have been approved by the Ohio Department of Health for coaches and referees:
i. National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports - What you Need to Know:http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000
(This free on-line course is available through the NFHS. You will need to click the “order here” button and complete a brief registration form to take the course.) Follow these steps to complete the course:
1. Click on the button that says, please login to order. In the window that appears, click Register Now.
2. When your registration is complete you may "order" the free concussion course offered along the left hand side of the page. Continue following prompts. Although it may look like you'll be charged for the course, there is no cost.
3. Once you've completed "checkout," you'll be able to take the free online course.
4. When you've completed and passed the course, you have the option of printing a certificate of completion.
ii. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports On-Line Training Program:http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html
b. PLEASE NOTE: Both courses offer a “certificate of completion” upon successful passage. The NFHS course allows organizations to search for and track coaches who have completed the course while the CDC course does not.
7) Print both certificates … each one twice
a. I would prefer that you print one copy (the one that comes to me) electronically (print as a pdf, if you are able), if not hard copy is fine but I MUST HAVE SOMETHING ON FILE FOR YOU.
b. You need to print (hard copy) one for you to keep … I recommend taping this to the inside of your scorebook (to be given at the coaches meeting … more details to follow).
8) Do not miss the fact that there are other resources:
a. Ohio’s Return to Play Law: Frequently Asked Questions
b. Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Coaches and Referees Need to Know
c. Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Parent/Guardians Need to Know
d. Additional Concussion Resources
Keep them all safe and have a great season!
