Concussion Awareness

The Michigan Sports Concussion Law went into effect on June 30, 2013, and was amended in October of 2017.

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, which must be re-taken every three years, or more frequently as determined by DHHS.

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.T

The Jackson YMCA takes the following steps to comply with the Michigan Sports Concussion Law and protect the welfare of young people who participate in our sports programs:

Parent And Youth Participant Educational Materials

The legislation requires the YMCA to provide educational material on concussions to all youth sports participants and their parents/guardians. To streamline this process, the YMCA has included the required educational materials in our online registration process. When registering for a youth sports program, parents will see a link to the material and check boxes indicating that both they, and their child, have had an opportunity to read it.

Training For Coaches, Referees, And Other Involved Adults

Prior to the start of each sport season, the YMCA will notify volunteer coaches about their responsibility to view the training and provide a certificate of completion to the YMCA before being accepted as a coach.

In order to meet the requirements of the law all coaches, employees, volunteers, and other adults who are involved with a youth athletic activity must complete the concussion awareness on-line training course listed below. Please follow the link below for youth sports training. The videos are approximately 30 minutes. Please be sure to print the certificate that is offered at the end of the training session and turn it into the Jackson YMCA.

Youth Sports “Heads Up” Training: https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

Removing From Play Any Youth Athlete Suspected Of Sustaining A Concussion

Any potential head injury witnessed by YMCA staff or volunteers will immediately result in the athlete being removed from the sporting event. The coach/supervising adult will fill out an Incident Report and send it to the YMCA Sports Coordinator, who will contact the family regarding the process to return to play.

Before A Youth Athlete Can Return to Play, Obtain Written Clearance From An Appropriate Health Professional

Parents must supply a written clearance from a doctor using a state-provided Medical Clearance Return to Play form. (provided on this page)