I have been asked numerous times if coaches have to take the Concussion test again this year. If you took the test last year and still have a copy of your certificate you do not have to take the test this year as they are good for three years. If you are a new coach or do not have your certificate from last year you have to take the test again.
Anyone who participates as part of a coaching staff, scorekeeper, umpire, and even a parent who helps on occassion MUST have a copy of the certificate with them at the field. Anyone who cannot present a copy of the certificate will not be permitted to participate. Last year we had teams forfeit when entire coaching staffs did not have certificates with them at the field. Umpires will check for certificates before each game.
People have to understand that the concussion testing is not a rule put in by the Edison League. It is a Law passed by the legislature of the State of Ohio. No matter how mad you get about needing the certification or how much you bad mouth me, the law will not change and I will enforce that our league follows the law.
What is the purpose of the new concussion law in Ohio?
House Bill 143 passed out of the General Assembly in December, 2012.
The bill promotes the protection of young athletes involved in sports activities at the youth, middle school, and high school levels. The law has 3 main components:
1 Education on the signs and symptoms and knowledge of concussions for participants, parents, coaches, and officials in youth and interscholastic sports.
2 Protocol for removal from and return to athletic activity if a concussion is suspected.
3 Definition of licensed healthcare provider who can make medical decisions related to return-to-play.
When did the law go into effect?
April 26, 2013.
Who does the law apply to?
Public and private schools, chartered and non-chartered non-public schools, and youth sports organizations (YSOs).
Coaches and referees may not serve until they have completed an online training program, which is required every three years.
Officials must remove athletes from participation if they show signs of a concussion.
Clearing an athlete to return to play must be done by a physician or other designated healthcare provider.
Regulations for Youth Sports Organizations (YSOs)
What is the definition of a “youth sports organization” (YSO)?
An YSO is defined as a public or nonpublic entity that organizes an athletic activity in which the athletes are not more than 19 years of age and are required to pay a fee to participate or whose cost is sponsored by a business or nonprofit organization.
What education does a youth sports organization have to provide to participants, parents, and guardians?
Youth sports organizations must provide a concussion education sheet to each participant’s parent/guardian every year before the child begins participating in the athletic activity. A new education sheet must also be distributed for each sport in which the athlete participates.
What education must YSO coaches and officials complete?
Coaches and referees working with YSOs must either have a valid Pupil Activity Permit or present evidence that they have completed one of the online concussion training modules from the Ohio Department of Health’s website.
In summary, people need to take the test. It is here for the safety of our kids and the Edison League will enforce it. Nobody has an excuse for not taking and passing the certification. If you don't have it, you will not be on the field with your team. Here is the link you need to go to to take the test. Make sure you print the certificate upon completion because you will not have access to it after you close the page.
Yes, Everyone is still required to pass the concussion test and have a copy of the certificate with them at every game. Anyone who took the test in the past 3 years is still good as long as you have your certificate. If you no longer have it, you must take the test again to get a copy. CDC concussion certificates are good for 3 years
Terry B
March 6, 2016 1:29:46 PM
Entry #: 4192888
It has been 4 years since the ECL put the concussion test requirement into place. Anyone who has not taken the test within the past 3 years must take it again. As always, if you cannot present a certificate at each game, you will not be allowed to coach.
You can get to the link to take the test through the first post above or by going to the popup on the front page
BudDe
March 20, 2016 5:31:12 PM
Entry #: 4193828
JD N
April 15, 2019 12:57:10 PM
Entry #: 4261394
Does this still hold true today? If we just took the test last year, it is good for 3 years?
