8.2. SR 04-15-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�,E r of CONNECTING & INNOVATING MINNESOTA SINCE 1913 CITIES RISK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION YOUTH SPORTS AND CONCUSSION AWARENESS Recently the Minnesota State Legislature passed a new law, which goes into effect September 1, 2011, aimed at preventing and identifying concussions in youths participating in sports. The new law has understandably caused some concern among cities. Read below to find the answers to some common questions about the new requirements. Does the law apply to cities? Who must provide training and information on concussions? The new law does not only apply to school sports, it also applies to city organized youth athletic events. The law emphasizes education about concussions to coaches, officials, parents and students. If a city organizes a sport league, club or athletic event, the burden to provide this educational information now falls directly on the city. Beginning September 1, 2011, the following must provide concussion training and information: • A municipality, business, or nonprofit organization; • Someone that organizes a youth athletic activity; or • Someone that charges a fee for a youth athletic activity. The term "organize" is not closely defined in the new law. Some activities that may be considered "organized" may include: • Providing staff to coach, officiate or supervise; • Enrolling participants; • Advertising the event or activity; or • Providing equipment or supplies. Many cities allow other groups, such as a non-profit or a school district, to use its facilities for sporting events. Merely providing recreation space could reasonably be interpreted to fall short of"organizing" an event. However, in these instances, it would be prudent for the city to require (preferably through written agreement) the actual event organizer to comply with the law's requirements. Many cities jointly offer or organize sporting events with other cities or entities. Usually these situations are governed by a joint powers agreement or other contractual arrangement. In these instances, it would also be prudent for cities to discuss with its partners which entity will be responsible for following the new requirements. It may be necessary to revise existing written agreements to reflect this new understanding. This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES 145 UNIVERSITY AVE.WEST PHONE:(651)281-1200 FAx:(651)281-1298 INSURANCE TRUST ST.PAUL,MN 55103-2044 TOLL FREE:(800)925-1122 WEB:WWW.LMC.ORG