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State Law Regarding Sports-Related Head Injury

Massachusetts State Law Regarding Sports Related Head Injury and Concussions

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services now requires that all schools subject to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) adhere to a new law regarding sports-related head injuries and concussions.

The law requires:

  1. Athletes and their parents to inform their coaches about prior head injuries at the beginning of the season.
  2. If a student athlete becomes unconscious during a game or practice, the law now mandates taking the student out of play or practice, and requires written certification from a licensed medical professional for “return to play”.
  3. That student-athletes and their parents (as well as coaches, athletic directors, school nurses and physicians and others) learn about the consequences of head injuries and concussions through training programs and written materials.

As a result of this new law, parents and students who plan to participate in any athletic program at Pembroke Public Schools must take a free online course to educate themselves about sports-related head injuries and concussions. The state has made available two free on-line courses that contain all the information required by law. The first is available through the National Federation of High School Coaches. You will need to click the “order here” button and complete a brief information form to register. At the end of the course, you will receive a completion receipt. The entire course, including registration, can be completed in less than 30 minutes and can be found at this link: http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=15000

The second online course is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html.

Please complete one of the courses listed. This is required in order to participate on any athletic team at Pembroke Public Schools.