OLR Bill Analysis

SB 185

AN ACT CONCERNING NOTICE TO PARENTS OF STUDENT ATHLETES ABOUT CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the State Board of Education (SBE), in consultation with the public health commissioner, to develop and approve a written statement to inform the parents and legal guardians of student athletes involved in intramural or interscholastic athletics about concussions and head injuries. It must do so by January 1, 2013.

Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, the bill requires anyone who has an SBE-issued coaching permit and coaches intramural or interscholastic athletics to provide the written SBE statement described above to the parent or legal guardian of each participating student, before beginning the activity for the school year. The coach must obtain the parent's or legal guardian's signature, affirming that the parent or guardian received a copy of the statement and authorizes the student to participate in the activity. If a coach does not fulfill these requirements, SBE may revoke his or her coaching permit, in accordance with existing procedures for revocation proceedings.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

BACKGROUND

Concussions and School Sports

By law, anyone who has an SBE-issued coaching permit and who coaches intramural or interscholastic athletics must be trained in how to recognize and respond to head injuries and concussions. The law also requires intramural and interscholastic coaches to take a student athlete out of any game or practice if the athlete (1) shows signs of having suffered a concussion after an observed or suspected blow to the head or body or (2) is diagnosed with a concussion. The coach must keep the athlete out of any game or practice until the athlete has received written clearance to participate from a licensed medical professional trained in evaluating and managing concussions (CGS §§ 10-149b & -149c).

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Health Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Education Committee

Joint Favorable