New sports-related concussion legislation approved

Oklahoma City — On Monday, Gov. Mary Fallin signed SB 1164 into law. Effective November 1, 2016, this measure amends 70 O.S. 2011, Section 24-155; An act pertaining to sports-related injuries which relates to concussions as sponsored by AJ Griffin (R-Guthrie) and Pittman of the Senate and Kirby of the House.

In 2011, the State of Oklahoma was one of only a few states to lead the nation in the passing of legislation to specifically address the growing concern of sports-related concussion in the secondary schools.  This legislation not only provided educational resources for parents/guardians, student athletes, and public school systems, but it most importantly provided student-athletes who had sustained a concussion with the best standard of care at that time.

However, the law passed in 2011 only reached as far as the public school systems.  As a result, the standard of education, protection, and services provided by the 2011 law has never been extended to the families and athletes who compete in private school athletic programs nor to the families and athletes who compete in the states numerous youth sports organizations and/or associations.  Additionally, the existing legislation failed to provide for a mechanism whereby advancements and improvements pertaining to concussion management could be disseminated.

SB 1164 addresses these concerns and strengthens the State Department of Health’s existing Concussion Management website with updated information, research, continuing education, and support for all youth sports organizations and associations, and both the public and private secondary schools systems in Oklahoma.  In addition, the legislation also provides vital information and guidelines that support an athlete’s return to the classroom as well as to the field of competition after sustaining a concussion.

Reaching beyond the 2011 law, this legislation extends education requirements to all game officials (i.e. umpires, referees, etc…) and team officials (i.e. coaches, athletic directors, etc…) who are responsible for the care and safety of athletes. It also protects these individuals from civil damages resulting from injury or death except in the case of gross negligence or wanton or willful misconduct.

The Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association, in association with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, is grateful to all those who have worked so diligently to protect the youth athletes in the State of Oklahoma by advocating for this legislation. To learn more about the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association or to contact them, please visit www.oata.net.