Concussions

Please read the following statements pertaining to a new concussion law in the state of Wisconsin. For further information and education, please go the the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association's (WIAA) web site. http://www.wiaawi.org/Health/Concussions.aspx

On April 2, 2012, Wisconsin State law was amended to include Wisconsin Act 172 relating to concussions and other head injuries sustained in youth athletic activities. The law was effective immediately on April 2, 2012.

Oregon Youth Basketball (OYB) is requiring all participants to comply with the new state law. OYB is also instructing coaching staff and referees on how to be in compliance. The OYB Medical Release and Waiver of Liability has been amended to conform to the new law (see below). The OYB will maintain a copy of this form for each player, or include this information on their signed registration forms per paragraph (3) below.

The specific legislation and language highlights are provided

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/172/1

Section 1. 118.293 of the statutes is created to read:

118.293 Concussion and head injury. (1) In this section:

(a) "Credential" means a license or certificate of certification issued by this state.

(am) "Health care provider" means a person to whom all of the following apply:

1. He or she holds a credential that authorizes the person to provide health care.

2. He or she is trained and has experience in evaluating and managing pediatric concussions and head injuries.

3. He or she is practicing within the scope of his or her credential.

(c) "Youth athletic activity" means 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. "Youth athletic activity" does not include a college or university activity or an activity that is incidental to a nonathletic program.

(2) In consultation with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, the department shall develop guidelines and other information for the purpose of educating athletic coaches and pupil athletes and their parents or guardians about the nature and risk of concussion and head injury in youth athletic activities.

(3) At the beginning of a season for a youth athletic activity, the person operating the youth athletic activity shall distribute a concussion and head injury information sheet to each person who will be coaching that youth athletic activity and to each person who wishes to participate in that youth athletic activity. No person may participate in a youth athletic activity unless the person returns the information sheet signed by the person and, if he or she is under the age of 19, by his or her parent or guardian.

(4) (a) An athletic coach, or official involved in a youth athletic activity, or health care provider shall remove a person from the youth athletic activity if the coach, official, or health care provider determines that the person exhibits signs, symptoms, or behavior consistent with a concussion or head injury or the coach, official, or health care provider suspects the person has sustained a concussion or head injury.

(b) A person who has been removed from a youth athletic activity under par. (a) may not participate in a youth athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives a written clearance to participate in the activity from the health care provider.

(5) (a) Any athletic coach, official involved in an athletic activity, or volunteer who fails to remove a person from a youth athletic activity under sub. (4) (a) is immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from that omission unless it constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

(b) Any volunteer who authorizes a person to participate in a youth athletic activity under sub. (4) (b) is immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from that act unless the act constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

(6) This section does not create any liability for, or a cause of action against, any person.

OYB would encourage you to also review additional information related to concussions in youth sports at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/

Signs of Possible Concussion -

-Appears stunned or dazed
-Is confused about assignment or position
-Forgets an instruction
-Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
-Moves clumsily
-Answers questions slowly
-Loses consciousness (even briefly)
-Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
-Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
-Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Symptoms of Possible Concussion reported by Athlete
-Headache or 'pressure' in head
-Nausea or vomiting
-Balance problems or dizziness
-Double or blurry vision
-Sensitivity to light
-Sensitivity to noise
-Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
-Concentration or memory problems
-Confusion
-Does not 'feel right' or is 'feeling down;'

If a possible concussion occurs -

1-Remove the athlet from play
2-Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional
3-Inform the athletes parents or guardians about the possible concussion
4-Keep the athlete out of play until a health care professional approves their return to play/.practice

More information on concussions an
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/Parents_Fact_Sheet-a.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/index.html

Thanks for your cooperation and here's hoping everyone has a safe basketball experience!

If you have any questions concerning the Oregon Youth Basketball Association and their program offerings, please feel free to contact the board using the following contact information.

Oregon Youth Basketball Association
PO Box 151
Oregon, WI 53575

Email: admin@oregonbasketball.org