D.C. Youth Athletic Concussion Act

Athletic Concussion Protection Act and How it Protects Young Athletes

As students begin a new school year and prepare their return to a new season of sports, the Brain Injury Association of D.C. would like to remind everyone about the importance of making safety a priority – especially when it comes to protecting young athletes against the risks of concussions.

One way parents, coaches, and others involved in youth sports can prepare for the season ahead is to become acquainted with the DC Youth Athletic Concussion Protection Act, which was drafted by the President of the Brain Injury Association of D.C., Joseph Cammarata. The Act, which became law in 2011, is designed to protect youth athletes from the dangers of concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury that can have serious, long-term consequences, especially if they are not properly addressed and treated. Below is some important information about the Act.

Who is Covered by the Act?

The Act applies to youth athletes ages 18 and younger who participate in any sport or athletic activity at a public, private, or charter school, as well as youth leagues, in the District of Columbia.

Concussion Protocol

At the heart of the DC Youth Athletic Concussion Protection Act are rules coaches, trainers, and others must abide by when a young athlete is suspected of having suffered a concussion. The protocol consists of the following:

Athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion during athletic activity must be immediately removed from practice or play.

Athletes cannot return to physical participation unless they have been (1) evaluated by a licensed health care provider and (2) receive written clearance to return to activity.

Ultimately, this protocol can be summed up with the phrase: When in doubt, take them out! By removing an athlete from play and keeping them out until they are cleared to return, we can significantly reduce the risks of them suffering additional harm, including the long-term effects of chronic brain injury.

There are also various resources – including this concussion recognition app – that can help coaches and parents adhere to these procedures.

Training Program

The Act also implemented a training program to educate coaches, trainers, physical education teachers, and others involved in youth sports about concussions, risks, reporting rules, and proper procedures for removing and returning an athlete to play. Coaches and others required to participate in the program must present a certificate of completion to their school or organization and must renew their training every 2 years.

Educational Materials

In addition to the training program, the Act helped prompt the development of educational materials about the nature and risk of concussions. These materials are distributed to young athletes and their parents.

The Brain Injury Association of D.C. is proud that President Cammarata was able to share his experience and insight when creating the DC Youth Athletic Concussion Protection Act and we are proud to offer our services and support to anyone who has questions about traumatic brain injuries and injuries that occurred during a youth athletic activity.