Concussions

Massachusetts State Law Regarding:
Sports-Related Head Injuries & 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) rules adhere to the following law.

Student-athletes and their parents, coaches, athletic directors, school nurses, and physicians must learn about the consequences of head injuries and concussions through training programs and written materials. The law requires that athletes and their parents inform their coaches about prior head injuries at the beginning of the season. 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.”

Parents, and students, who plan to participate in any athletic program at Marblehead High School must also take a free online course. Two free online courses are available and contain all the information required by the law. The first online course 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.

The second online course is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the HEADS UP to Brain Injury Awareness website page.