Preliminary New Concussion Law Requirements

We are currently being informed about the new concussion law requirements that the state of Washington is likely passing. The following letter was sent to us concerning how this might affect CYO. More info to follow to determine exactly what the new requirements will be for CYO coaches using School District facilities.

The Seattle School District has provided the Parks Department a preliminary New Concussion Law Requirements Document. The new Law will have an impact on all youth non-profit organizations that play games or practices at school district facilities.

School Coaches Training Program:
(1).The new law identifies that all school coaches will have to take training on the nature and risk of concussions and head injury including continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
(2). On a yearly basis, a concussion and head injury information sheet shall be signed and returned by the youth athlete and athlete’s parents/guardian prior to the youth athlete’s initiating practice or competition.
(3). All athletes suspected of suffering a concussion or brain injury will be removed from practice or competition and not returned to play until cleared in writing by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions (Medical Doctor of Osteopathy, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Physicians Assistants and Certified Athletic Trainers.

Currently, we do not have the final draft of the new law. The following information is what was provided to the department that will impact your organization:

All non-profit youth organizations using school facilities shall:
· Provide the school with written proof of insurance covering their youth athletes with limits required by the law.
· All coaches, players and parents of youth teams shall have similar training as outlined for school coaches, players and parents prior to the start of any practice and
· The non-profit youth groups shall submit a statement of compliance with the insurance coverage and required head injury trainings prior to receiving access to school facilities.