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May 2, 2018 - IMPORTANT: New Requirement for Coaches and Officials
IMPORTANT NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR COACHES AND OFFICIALS
California has modified existing school concussion law to apply the requirements to youth sports organizations in which athletes participate, including swimming.
The law requires that a youth athletic program must immediately remove an athlete from an athletic activity for the remainder of the day if the athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury, and prohibit the athlete from returning to the activity until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care provider, trained in the management of concussions and acting within the scope of his or her practice. The athlete must receive written clearance from the licensed health care provider to return to the athletic activity. If the athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, they must go through a graduated return to play protocol of no less than seven days under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. Youth sports organizations must also notify the parents or guardians of athletes 17 or younger who have been removed from athletic activities due to suspected concussions.
Coaches and Officials must successfully complete the concussion and head injury education required under the bill at least once, either online or in person. The online courses below from CDC or NFHS satisfy the requirements.
All Pacific Swimming Coaches and Officials must keep evidence of passing one of these courses and provide a copy of the certificate to the laurie@pacswim.org by June 1, 2018.
Course information is available here:
USA Swimming has also developed concussion and head injury education materials for coaches and administrators. Here is a concussion at the pool checklist for coaches, officials and parents.
