Concussions in Youth Athletes - Connecticut

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Connecticut

Governor Rell signed SB 456 into law on May 19, 2010. This bill can be found at sections 10-149b and 10-149c of the Connecticut General Statutes, under the title dealing with education and the chapter concerning teachers. (Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 10-149b through 10-149c). In February 2012, SB 185 was introduced and is currently in Committee.

In summary, section 10-149b-149c provide that any coach, who is permitted under the State Board of Education, must: complete a course in head injuries, annually review information on concussions, and complete refresher courses. The courses and information are to be prepared by the State Board of Education. If a coach permitted by the State Board of Education suspects a student has suffered a concussion that student must be immediately removed from participation until they are cleared in writing by a health care professional. A coach’s permit may be revoked for a violation of these sections.

Senate Bill (SB)185 would require repeal section 10-1496 and replace it with some, but would add paragraphs (c)(1) and (c2), which would require the State Board of Education to develop and approve a written statement in conjunction with the Commissioner of Public Health to inform parents/legal guardians of student athletes advising regarding concussions and head injuries. Any individual holding a coaching permit issued by the State Board of Education would be required to provide the written statement and to received written authorization from parents/guardians of a participating student athlete prior to the start of the athletic activity.

The official versions of sections 10-149b and 10-149c are currently available online at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap166.htm

The text of SB 185 can be viewed online by search via bill number at: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/TOB/S/2012SB-00185-R02-SB.htm