Ohio Concussion Laws
Subscribe to our Newsletter**Ohio’s Return-to-Play Law went 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
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 information sheet for participants in interscholastic activities and youth sports.
Interscholastic Activities:
As of April 26th, 2013, Ohio law (ORC 3313.539 and ORC 3314.03) prohibits schools from allowing a student to practice for or compete in interscholastic athletics (school sports) until the student has submitted this signed form stating that the student and the student's parent or guardian have received the information contained in the sheet. PLEASE NOTE: This form should be submitted to your local school district and not ODH.
Interscholastic Student Athlete Concussion Information Sheet
Interscholastic Student Athlete Concussion Information Sheet - Spanish Version
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 guardian of an individual who wishes to practice for or compete in an athletic activity organized by the organization.
Youth Sports Organization Concussion Information Sheet
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 two following free online trainings have been approved by ODH 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 have completed "checkout," you'll be able to take the free online course.
- When you have completed and passed the course, you have the option of printing a certificate of completion.
PLEASE NOTE:Both courses offer a “certificate of completion” upon successful passage. The NFHS course allows organizations to search for and track coaches who have completed the course while the CDC course does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio's Return to Play Law: Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 5.30.13) 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
The following factsheets are intended to provide more information about the requirements of the law and are different from the ODH Concussion Information Sheets which must 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
CDC Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports (English Version) (Spanish Version)
CDC Concussion Treatment and Management Materials for Health Care Providers
CDC Materials on Returning to School for Parents, School Nurses and Educators
Ohio Legislative Service Commission HB 143 Bill Analysis
Nationwide Children's Hospital - Concussion Information Toolkits - For Athletes | For Coaches | For Parents | For Educators | For School Administrators
Ohio Injury Prevention Partnership - Sports Injury Prevention Grant Resource Guide
American Academy of Pediatrics Guidance on “Returning to Learning” After Concussion
PLEASE NOTE: The State of Ohio is not responsible for the content of external websites. A link to a non-governmental website does not constitute endorsement.
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: HealthyO@odh.ohio.gov
