To protect youth athletes, the State of Ohio has passed a concussion law, Bill 143. This bill is also known as  the “Return to Play” law. This law, similar to the laws enacted in most other states, enforces training, safety, and awareness requirements on youth sports organizations, such as CAA, and its leagues, tournaments, coaches, referees, officials, and athletes and their families.

A concussion is an injury to the brain that may be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Concussions may also happen after a fall or hit that jars the brain. A blow elsewhere on the body can cause a concussion even if an athlete does not hit his/her head directly. Concussions can range from mild to severe, and athletes can get a concussion even if they are wearing a helmet. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.

Each CAA coach must participate in a certified concussion training course. The training must be renewed every three years. Following is the link to the CDC HEADS Up for Youth Sports Program. The site includes Concussion Resources for Youth Sports Coaches, Parents and Officials. All CAA coaches should complete the On-line Concussion Training program (30-45 min). Upon completion, please forward your completion certificate to [email protected].

CDC HEADS UP to Youth Sports

In conjuction with completing the training course, you must carry the following items while at practice or competitions:

• Concussion Fact Sheet - Coaches
• Concussion Information Sheet - Parents
  
• Concussion Action Plan

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

A Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.  Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal if not treated immediately, most often by a defibrillator.

Who is Lindsay?

Senate Bill 252 is named for national heart health advocate and former Miss Ohio Lindsay Davis who suffers from a heart condition and has since dedicated her career to raising awareness of this potentially fatal condition.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of student athletes," said Davis. "At any moment I could have died because coaches and teachers had no idea this was even a possibility for someone who looked as healthy as I did at that age."

Lindsay’s Law

Lindsay’s Law, Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58 and 3707.59 went into effect in 2017.

In accordance with this law, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and other stakeholders jointly developed guidelines and other relevant materials to inform and educate students and youth athletes participating in or desiring to participate in an athletic activity, their parents, and their coaches about the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

The following resources were developed to implement Lindsay’s Law:

For frequently asked questions and answers, CLICK HERE.

For parents/guardians and youth athletes:

• Required video

• Required SCA Informational Handout

• Required Signature Form

For coaches:

• Required video

•  Required SCA Informational Handout