Ohio's Return-to-Play Law: What a Parent/Guardian Needs to

Know – Youth Sports Organizations

Concussion Information Sheet

Starting on April 26, 2013, Ohio Law (ORC 3707.511) requires a youth sports organization to provide a Concussion Information Sheet to the parent or guardian of an individual who wishes to practice for or complete in an athletic activity organized by the organization. This information sheet can also be found on the ODH website under “Concussion Information Sheet” (Youth Sports Organization Concussion Information Sheet) section.

Parents and athletes are required to receive a concussion information sheet annually for each sport.

Removal from Play

Coaches, referees or officials must remove an athlete if the athlete is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a concussion during practice or a game. These include:

    Appears dazed or stunned.

      Is confused about assignment or position.

    Forgets plays.

    Is unsure of game, score or opponent.

    Moves clumsily.

    Answers questions slowly.

    Loses consciousness (even briefly).

    Shows behavior or personality changes

(irritability, sadness, nervousness, feeling more emotional).

    Can’t recall events before or after hit or

fall.

    Any headache or “pressure” in head.

(How badly it hurts does not matter.)

    Nausea or vomiting.

    Balance problems or dizziness.

    Double or blurry vision.

    Sensitivity to light and/or noise

    Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy.

    Concentration or memory problems.

    Confusion

    Does not “feel right.”

    Trouble falling asleep.

    Sleeping more or less than usual.

The athlete cannot return to play (games, practice, or other training) on the same day that the player is removed.  The athlete is not permitted to return to play until they have been assessed and cleared by a physician or by any other licensed health care provider authorized by the youth sports organization.