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 summary, section 10-149b-149c provides 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.

In February 2012, Senate Bill (SB)185 was introduced and if enacted would require repeal section 10-1496 and replace it with a new section that adds 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. There has been no action taken on this proposed legislation since April 24, 2012.

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