Connecticut State Department of Education


Section 1: Concussion Education and other Requirements for Students, Parents, and Coaches


Student Athletes

  • Before participating in any intramural or interscholastic athletic activity for the school year beginning July 1, 2015, student athletes must (1) read written materials, (2) view online training or videos, or (3) attend in-person training regarding the school district’s concussion education plan as provided by the local or regional board of education.

Parents and Guardians of Student Athletes

  • Prior to participating in any intramural or interscholastic athletic activity for the school year beginning July 1, 2015, a parent or guardian of each student athlete must (1) read written materials, (2) view online training or videos, or (3) attend in-person training regarding the school district’s concussion education plan as provided by the local or regional board of education. 
  • Parents or legal guardians of student athletes must sign and present an informed consent form to the school district attesting to the fact that they have received a copy of such form and that they authorize the student athlete to participate in the athletic activity. Such informed consent form will be approved by the State Board of Education and provided by the local or regional board of education and shall include, at a minimum: 
    • a summary of the concussion education plan; and 
    • a summary of the applicable local or regional board of education’s policies regarding concussions.

Coaches

  • A coach of intramural or interscholastic athletics shall complete an initial training course regarding concussions approved by the State Board of Education. Such training course shall include, but not be limited to: 
    • the recognition of the signs and symptoms of a concussion; 
    • the means of obtaining proper medical treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion; 
    • the nature and risk of concussions, including the danger of continuing to engage in athletic activity after sustaining a concussion; and 
    • the proper method of allowing a student athlete who has sustained a concussion to return to athletic activity. 
  • Any coach who has completed the initial training course shall annually review current and relevant information developed or approved by the State Board of Education regarding concussions prior to commencing the coaching assignment for the season of such school athletics. Such annual review shall not be required in any year when such coach is required to complete the refresher course for reissuance of his or her coaching permit. Such refresher course shall include, but not be limited to: 
    • an overview of key recognition and safety practices; 
    • an update on medical developments and current best practices in the field of concussion research; 
    • prevention and treatment; 
    • an update on new relevant federal, state and local laws and regulations; 
    • for football coaches, current best practices regarding coaching the sport of football, including, but not limited to, frequency of games and full contact practices and scrimmages as identified by the governing authority for intramural and interscholastic athletics.
  • For the school year commencing July 1, 2015, and each school year thereafter, a coach shall complete a refresher course, not later than five years after completion of the initial training course, as a condition of the reissuance of a coaching permit from the State Department of Education. Such coach shall thereafter retake such refresher course at least once every five years as a condition of the reissuance of a coaching permit.