SB 243

This bill requires each person operating a youth athletic activity seasonally to

distribute a concussion and head injury information sheet to each person who will

be coaching the activity and to each person who wishes to participate in the activity

and prohibits a person from participating in a youth athletic activity until he or she

has returned the sheet signed by the person and, if he or she is under the age of 19,

by his or her parent or guardian. The bill defines "youth athletic activity," with

certain exceptions, as an organized athletic activity in which the participants, a

majority of whom are under 19 years of age, are engaged in an athletic game or

competition against another team, club, or entity, or in practice or preparation for an

organized athletic game or competition against another team, club, or entity.

The bill requires that a person who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or

head injury in a youth athletic activity be removed from the activity immediately.

The bill provides that if an athletic coach, official, or volunteer fails to remove a

person from the activity, he or she is immune from civil liability for any injury

resulting from that omission unless it constitutes gross negligence or willful

misconduct.

A person who has been removed from a youth athletic activity because he or she

is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury may not participate in a youth

athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a health care provider who has been

trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and head injuries and

receives a written clearance to participate in the activity from the health care

provider. The bill provides that if a health care provider who is a volunteer

authorizes a person to participate in a youth athletic activity, he or she is immune

from civil liability for any injury resulting from that act unless the act constitutes

gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Finally, the bill provides that it does not create any liability for, or a cause of

action against, any person.