Montana Code 20-7-1303. Youth athletes — concussion education requirements
20-7-1303. Youth athletes — concussion education requirements. (1) Each school district, nonpublic school, or youth athletic organization in this state offering organized youth athletic activities shall adopt policies and procedures to inform coaches, officials, youth athletes, and parents or guardians of the nature and risk of brain injuries, including the effects of continuing to play after a concussion. The policies, content, and protocols must be consistent with current medical knowledge as to:
Terms Used In Montana Code 20-7-1303
- district: means the territory, regardless of county boundaries, organized under the provisions of this title to provide public educational services under the jurisdiction of the trustees prescribed by this title. See Montana Code 20-6-101
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- school: means an institution for the teaching of children that is established and maintained under the laws of the state of Montana at public expense. See Montana Code 20-6-501
- State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
(a)the nature and risk of brain injuries associated with athletic activity;
(b)the signs, symptoms, and behaviors consistent with a brain injury;
(c)the need to alert a licensed health care professional for urgent recognition and treatment when a youth athlete exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion; and
(d)the need to follow proper medical direction and protocols for treatment and returning to play after a youth athlete sustains a concussion.
(2)A form documenting that educational materials referred to in subsection (1) have been provided to and viewed by each youth athlete and the youth athlete’s parent or guardian must be signed by each youth athlete and the youth athlete’s parent or guardian and returned to an official designated by the school district, nonpublic school, or youth athletic organization prior to the youth athlete’s participation in organized youth athletic activities. The form must apply for a period not to exceed 1 year.
(3)School districts, nonpublic schools, and youth athletic organizers shall ensure access to a training program consistent with subsection (1). Each coach and official participating in organized youth athletic activities shall complete the training program at least once each year.
(4)School districts, nonpublic schools, and youth athletic organizations may invite the participation of appropriate advocacy groups and appropriate sports governing bodies to facilitate the requirements of subsections (1) through (3).