*** THIS IS A STATE LAW****
 
 Ohio
 

On December 20, 2012, Governor John Kasich signed HB 143 into law. The Act becomes effective on March 20, 2013 and will be a part of Title XXXIII (33) of the Ohio education law dealing with school board and Title XXXVII (37) of the Health and Safety law regarding the Board of Health of the Ohio Revised Code at Sections 3313.539, 3319.303, 3707.51, 3707.511 and 3707.52

The text of the new law can be viewed online at:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_143
 
Section 3707.51 defines a youth sports organization as a public or non public entity that organizes an athletic activity for participants 19 years of age or younger, who are required to pay a participation fee or whose cost to participate is sponsored by a business or nonprofit organization. Section 3707.511 requires coaches and referees to complete a concussion training program unless they hold a pupil activity program permit, mandates that the sports organization inform coaches and referees of the required training, provides for the signing of a concussion and head injury information sheet annually by the parent or guardian, which the organization must provide, and contains the same removal / return to play requirements set forth in Section 3313.539 as outlined above except that an individual suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury may be removed by an official of youth sports organization supervising the practice or competition in addition to a coach or referee. Section 3707.52 mandates the department of health create a concussion and head injury information sheet and make it available to participants in interscholastic athletics and youth sports. The information sheet is to be made available on its web site in a format suitable for easy downloading and printing. The website is also to provide a link to one or more free online training programs in recognizing and evaluating concussions and head injuries for coaches of schools and youth sports organizations.
 

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:

1. Click on the button that says, please login to order. In the window that appears, click Register Now.
2. 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.
3. Once you've completed "checkout," you'll be able to take the free online course.
4. When you've completed and passed the course, you have the option of printing a certificate of completion.