8.2. SR 04-15-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Does the new law apply to volunteer coaches/officials and cities that rely upon volunteer coaches/officials? Yes. The law applies if there is any type of fee charged for athletic activities that are organized. What types of sports or athletic activities does the law apply to? The law applies to all "youth (18 and under) athletic activities." This means any sport or other athletic activity where there is a: • Competition, practice, or training exercises; AND • Coach or official is present in an official capacity as a coach or official. The law was drafted as broadly as possible and may apply to a diversity of youth sports including yoga, football, baseball and swimming. Under the new law, what training and information do cities need to offer? Beginning September 1, 2011 sports and athletic event organizers must: • Make information accessible to all participating coaches, officials, and youth athletes and their parents or guardians about the nature and risks of concussions; AND • Require all participating coaches and officials to receive initial online training on the nature and risks of concussions. Training must be repeated every three years. The online training for coaches/officials and information for parents and participants must be consistent with training provided by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and must address: • The nature and risks of concussions associated with the athletic activity; • The signs, symptoms, and behaviors consistent with a concussion; • The need to alert appropriate medical professionals for urgent diagnosis and treatment when a youth athlete is suspected or observed to have received a concussion; AND • The need for a youth athlete who sustains a concussion to follow proper medical direction and protocols for treatment and returning to play. The simplest approach for a city may be to use the free online course and printable information already found on the CDC website. The CDC program is titled Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports. Once coaches and officials finish the e-learning program and quiz, they can print a certificate demonstrating completion. The city should document compliance with the law by preserving copies of coaches and officials' certificates of completion and copies of materials provided to parents and participants. Cities are not required to use the CDC program. However, any program a city uses or designs must be consistent with the CDC program. 2