"Return to Play" Law

On April 26, 2013, a new State law went into affect setting specific requirements for youth sports organizations regarding possible concussion injuries.  The WYBSL has always placed player safety first and had previously adopted rules and provided information from Sports Medicine specialists, and will now put additional measures in place as required by Ohio HB 143 (“Return to Play” law).

The law requires the WYBSL to provide concussion information to parents (see link below) and insure all coaches and referees complete Concussion Training.  Most importantly, coaches, referees or officials must remove any player exhibiting symptoms of a concussion from a game or practice.  Players cannot return to play on the same day they are removed and are not permitted to play until they have been assessed and receive written clearance by a licensed physician (MD or DO) and that clearance is provided to the League.

Important Information for Coaches & Referees

• You must complete a free online training course from the National Federation of State High School Associations (available here).
• Upon completion of the online course, you will receive a certificate that must be submitted (hard or electronic copy) to the WYBSL HR Director (for Coaches) or WYBSL Umpire Director (for referees).

Important Information for Parents

As required by the State of Ohio, effective April 26, 2013, the WYBSL must provide all parents or guardians of participants who wish to practice or compete in the WYBSL, with the Youth Sports Concussion Information Sheet (for Youth Sports Organizations).

Additionally, if your son or daughter is removed from a practice or game as a result of a possible concussion, your physician/care provider must complete and sign a medical clearance form that must be returned to your coach before they can return to the field.

Additional information can also be found on the Ohio Department of Health’s website.