Whether you are a coach, player, or parent you need to understand how to keep players safe in our sport. Sports-related concussions – in all sports – cannot be eliminated, but we can all do our part to minimize the risk. Help us keep our players safe! The information presented on this page comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A concussion is a brain injury, caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head that can have serious consequences. It can occur in any sport or recreational activity.
In accordance with the Michigan Sports Concussion Law that took effect June 30, 2013, Michigan Youth Flag Football is taking significant steps to ensure that we fulfill our obligation to abide by the full compliance of this law. Michigan was the 39th U.S. state to enact a law that regulates sports concussions and return to athletic activity.
1. The sports concussion legislation requires all coaches, employees, volunteers, and other adults involved with a youth athletic activity to complete a concussion awareness on-line training program.
- Therefore, all volunteer coaches, officials, and employees of Michigan Youth Flag Football MUST watch this 30 minute video on Concussion Awareness and supply the league with their named certificate of completion prior to participating in any Michigan Youth Flag Football event. Once on file, this document will not be required for additional events.
- To view this video, click here
2. The organizing entity must provide educational materials on the signs/symptoms and consequences of concussions to each youth athlete and their parents/guardians and obtain a signed statement acknowledging receipt of the information for the organizing entity to keep on record.
- Therefore, all guardians who have signed their child up to participate in any Michigan Youth Flag Football event MUST read and sign the Parent & Athlete Concussion Awareness Sheet and turn it in to their coach at their first practice. If a participant is at a tournament, this form must be turned in to the a league representative prior to participating in any Michigan Youth Flag Football event (league, camp, or tournament).
3. The law also requires immediate removal of an athlete from physical participation in an athletic activity who is suspected of sustaining a concussion. The student athlete must then receive written clearance from an appropriate health professional before he or she can return to physical activity.
- Therefore, if any coach, official, or league director feels that a concussion may have taken place, the participant in question, will be immediately removed from play and may not return to play until written clearance from a health professional has been received and approved by the league office.
- To print out the Medical Clearance Form, click here.
Here are links to the new laws:
- Concussion bill 5697
- Concussion bill 1122
Here are links to additional concussion materials to keep on hand.
If you have any questions about Michigan Youth Flag Football and our approach to player health and safety, please feel free to contact us at (248) 454-9700.