Concussion in Youth Sports: Ohio's Return-to-Play Law
**Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law goes into effect on April 26th, 2013**
Quick Links
Ohio Department of Health Concussion Information Sheet
Online Concussion Management Training
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Coaches and Referees Need to Know
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Parent/Guardians Need to Know
Additional Concussion Resources
Concussion Information Sheet
Per ORC 3707.52 as enacted by Ohio HB 143 of the 129th General Assembly, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is required to create a concussion and head injury information sheet for participants in interscholastic activities and youth sports.
Information Sheet:
Youth Sports Concussion Information Sheet (for Youth Sports Organizations) - Starting April 26th, 2013, Ohio law (ORC 3707.511) requires a youth sports organization to provide this sheet to the parent or other guardian of an individual who wishes to practice for or compete in an athletic activity organized by the organization.
Online Concussion Management Training
Per ORC 3707.52 as enacted by Ohio HB 143 of the 129th General Assembly, ODH is required to post free training programs that train coaches and referees in recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions and head injuries.
The following free online trainings have been approved by the Ohio Department of Health for coaches and referees:
National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports - What you Need to Know: http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000
(This free on-line course is available through the NFHS. You will need to click the “order here” button and complete a brief registration form to take the course.) Follow these steps to complete the course:
- Click on the button that says, please login to order. In the window that appears, click Register Now.
- When your registration is complete you may "order" the free concussion course offered along the left hand side of the page. Continue following prompts. Although it may look like you'll be charged for the course, there is no cost.
- Once you've completed "checkout," you'll be able to take the free online course.
- When you've completed and passed the course, you have the option of printing a certificate of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio's Return to Play Law: Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 2.5.13) -
frequently asked questions document provides detailed information regarding Ohio's Return to Play Law.
More Information For Coaches, Referees and Parents
Coaches and Referees
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Coaches and Referees Need to Know - Youth Sports
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Coaches and Referees Need to Know - School Sports
Parents and Guardians (please note: These are intended to provide more information about the requirements of the law and are different from the ODH Concussion Information Sheets that are required to be distributed to parents, guardians and athletes by schools and youth sports organizations.)
Ohio’s Return to Play Law: What Parent/Guardians Need to Know - Youth Sports
Ohio's Return to Play Law: What Parent/Guardians Need to Know - School Sports
Additional Concussion Resources
Ohio Department of Health, Violence and Injury Prevention Program - Sports/Recreation Traumatic Brain Injuries
CDC Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports (English Version) (Spanish Version)
CDC Concussion Treatment and Management Materials for Health Care Providers
Nationwide Children's Hospital - Concussion Information Toolkit (includes information for coaches, parents, educators and school administrators)
CDC Materials on Returning to School for Parents, School Nurses and Educators
Ohio Legislative Service Commission HB 143 Bill Analysis
Contact Information
Ohio Department of Health
Injury Prevention Program
246 North High Street, 8th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614-466-2144
Fax: 614-564-2409
Email:
Last Reviewed 2/6/13
