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Up: Concussion in Youth Sports. Once coaches and officials finish the e-learning <br /> program and quiz, they can print a certificate demonstrating completion. <br /> The city should document compliance with the law by preserving copies of <br /> coaches and officials' certificates of completion and copies of materials provided <br /> to parents and participants. Cities are not required to use the CDC program. <br /> However, any program a city uses or designs must be consistent with the CDC <br /> program. <br /> What are coaches and officials required to do under the new law? <br /> The law has additional requirements for coaches and officials. In addition to <br /> completing the training already discussed, a coach or official must also remove <br /> youth athletes from participating in activities when: <br /> • The youth exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion; or <br /> • The youth is suspected of sustaining a concussion. <br /> When a coach or official removes a youth aQ' from participating in a youth athletic <br /> activity because of a concussion, the youth dthlete may not again participate in the activity <br /> until the youth athlete: <br /> • No longer exhibits signs, symptoms, or behavior nsistent with a concussion; <br /> AND <br /> • Is evaluated by a healthcare provider trained and experienced in <br /> evaluating and managing concussions; AND <br /> • The healthcare provider gives the youth athlete written <br /> permission to again participate in the activity. <br /> Does the new law make the city liable for concussion injuries that <br /> youth may receive? ... <br /> No. The new law does not create any additional liability for, or create any new cause <br /> legal action against a city providing youth sports activities. In addition, the law does <br /> not alter immunities given to volunteer coaches under state law. <br /> Currently, Minn. Stat. 604A.I I provides that volunteer coaches and trainers are <br /> generally not liable to players, participants, or spectators for injuries during sporting <br /> events. The new concussion law specifically provides that these protections remain in <br /> place for coaches, even if a coach fails to remove a youth athlete from an activity after <br /> a concussion is suspected. <br /> More Information <br /> Contact the city's loss control consultant for assistance with the new concussion law. If the <br /> city is unsure of its consultant, contact Cheryl Brennan, Field Service Manager at <br /> cbrennan@lmc.org or 651-215-4 <br /> 1 <br />