IMPORTANT - Concussion information and permission sheets

CDs-

Please read through this IMPORTANT email regarding a new law that was just passed in Wisconsin regarding concussion information and permission sheets. This is especially important for those of you who are still running or participating in events as this law is now in effect.

I will be working on how to easily get this information out to the necessary parties - most likely linked through Webpoint like the medical forms. ALSO - TDs please be aware that this law also applies to out-of-state participants and we will be looking to include that language in the TD handbook as we delve into the specifics of it.

Jen

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The Wisconsin DPI has published the Sideline to Safety (concussion law) guidelines for youth athletic organizations.  With the publication of the guidelines, the law is now implemented.

Wisconsin Concussion Law Act 172 - Statute 118.293
Summary
The law requires all youth athletic organizations to educate coaches, athletes and parents on the risks of concussions and head injuries and prohibits participation in a youth activity until the athlete and parent or guardian has returned a signed agreement sheet indicating they have reviewed the concussion and head injury informational materials. The law requires immediate removal of an individual from a youth athletic activity if symptoms indicate a possible concussion has been sustained. A person who has been removed from a youth athletic activity because of a determined or suspected concussion or head injury, may not participate again until he or she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives written clearance from the health care provider to return to the activity.

“At the beginning of a season for a youth athletic activity, the person operating the youth athletic activity shall distribute a concussion and head injury information sheet to each person who will be coaching that youth athletic activity and to each person who wishes to participate in that youth athletic activity. No person may participate in a youth athletic activity unless the person returns the information sheet signed by the person and, if he or she is under the age of 19, by his or her parent or guardian.”

Full Text <http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/172>
Further Information
Guidelines for Concussion and Head Injuries <http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/tbi-conc-guidelines.html>
Concussion Resources <http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/tbi-conc-resources.html>
In addition, member schools may find the WIAA concussion information on the WIAA web site at:  http://www.wiaawi.org/index.php?id=430

We have provided a page of questions and answers as well on the WIAA web site.  As we receive questions, we will continue to update that page.  The law does not require or even reference school districts (or youth athletic activity organizers) need to complete baseline (ImPACT) testing. ImPACT is a tool which your physician or trainers may recommend, but it is not a requirement by the law.

While coaches education is a best practice and suggested additional training for coaches should be considered by the school administration. It is highly recommended and it is free at the CDC web site or at https://www.NFHSLearn.com.

We would urge you to provide the information to your community’s youth athletic organizations.  Please inform them that our information is available for FREE and they may use it to conform to the Sideline to Safety law.