Youth Concussions
Return To Play
Ohio’s Return-to-Play law (Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3313.539 or Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3314.03) requires that Ohio youth athletes who are suspected of sustaining a concussion, MUST be removed from practice or play. Ohio laws prohibit a child to return to play (practice or competition) on the same day that he/she is removed on suspicion of having sustained a concussion. He/she may return the following day if cleared in writing by a physician (MD or DO) or other authorized healthcare provider that he/she did not sustain a concussion.
Coaches and Referees
Sports are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy. Being physically active can also help children do better in school. As a youth sports coach, your actions create the culture for safety and can help lower an athlete's chances of getting a concussion or other serious injury. It is important to note that aggressive and/or unsportsmanlike behavior among athletes can increase their chances of getting a concussion or other serious injury. The following materials are for coaches and referees to use to prevent concussions as well as to learn concussion protocol.
Parents and Guardians
Sports are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy! Being physically active can also help children do better in school. As a parent or guardian, your actions create the culture for safety and can help lower your child's chance of getting a concussion or other serious injury. It is important to note that aggressive and/or unsportsmanlike behavior among athletes can increase their chances of getting a concussion or other serious injury.
Athletes
Being an athlete is a great way to stay healthy and do well in school! Explore the resources below to learn what steps you can take to prevent concussions.
CDC HEADS UP
Fact Sheets
Hojas informativa para los atletas
Additional Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics- State Advocacy FOCUS- Concussion Management: Return to Play
CDC HEADS UP to Youth Sports
CDC Concussion Treatment and Management Materials for Healthcare Providers
Ohio Legislative Services Commission HB 143 Bill Analysis
Nationwide Children's Hospital- Concussion Toolkit
Return To Learn
Many students who have sustained concussions return to school requiring academic and environmental adjustments while the brain heals. School personnel are often not trained on the effects of concussions or ways to help these students transition back to school. Dr. Susan Davies, University of Dayton, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health, developed the "Ohio Return to Learn: Concussion Team Model" to provide strategies for Ohio school districts to use when implementing strategies to assist school personnel in this transition. The Concussion Team Model involves collaboration between administration, educators, healthcare providers, parents and the student to safely return the student to the learning environment.
Online Trainings
These free, online trainings were developed with the support of the Ohio Department of Health and are endorsed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the Ohio School Psychologists Association, the Ohio Association of School Nurses and the Ohio Department of Education - Office of Exceptional Children. At the end of both trainings, participants can receive a certificate of participation for documentation of their professional development.
Training option #1: How to Develop a Concussion Response Team
This 75 minute training includes information on:
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How concussions can affect students' learning, health and social-emotional functioning.
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A suggested concussion team model that involves a designated leader, as well as collaboration among the family, medical personnel and school team.
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Strategies for "return to learn," including tools for assessment, symptom-based adjustments to the learning environment and progress monitoring.
- Click here to access training option #1.
- Once you have completed the training, click here to access your certificate of completion.
- PowerPoint on how to develop a concussion response team
Training option #2: A Teacher Training - Ohio Return to Learn Concussion Team Model
This 30 minute training includes information on:
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How to improve recognition and response to concussions.
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"Return to Learn" strategies.
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Teacher roles and responsibilities.
Click here to access training option #2.
Once you have completed the training, click here to access your certificate of completion.
Training option #3: Refresher Course for Return to Learn