To all NHAA Coaches and parent volunteers:

In the interest of Ohio law (House Bill number 143) and the safety of our youth participants:

It is mandatory that any on-field coaches or dugout assistants be concussion certified through the following website:

http://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/

This is mandatory and must be completed prior to your first practice. No practices or games can be played without an accredited concussion certified adult on hand. These certificates are also required to be on person for at least one of the on-field or dugout assistants at each practice/game.

Coach and Contest Official Training Requirements
Starting April 26, 2013, individuals are not allowed to serve as a coach or referee for a youth sports organization, whether volunteer or paid, without:
- Successfully completing, every three years, an online training program in recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions and head injuries provided by the Ohio Department of Health
-OR-
- Holding a Pupil Activity Permit (PAP) from the Ohio Department of Education

Removal From and Return to Play Policy
Starting April 26th, 2013, coaches, referees, or officials must remove an athlete exhibiting the signs and symptoms of a concussion during practice or a game. These include: Appears dazed or stunned. Is confused about assignment or position. Forgets plays. Is unsure of game, score or opponent. Moves clumsily. Answers questions slowly. Loses consciousness (even briefly). Shows behavior or personality changes (irritability, sadness, nervousness, feeling more emotional). Can’t recall events before or after hit or fall. Any headache or “pressure” in head. (How badly it hurts does not matter.) Nausea or vomiting. Balance problems or dizziness. Double or blurry vision. Sensitivity to light and/or noise Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy. Concentration or memory problems. Confusion. Does not “feel right.” Trouble falling asleep. Sleeping more or less than usual.

The athlete cannot return to play on the same day that he or she is removed.

The athlete is not permitted to return to play until they have been assessed and receive written clearance by a physician or by any other licensed health care provider approved by the youth sports organization. It is important to review your organization’s policy regarding which health care providers are authorized to clear an athlete to return-to-play.