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Illinois Concussion Education Legislation

Governor Quinn recently signed legislation (House Bill 200) to address the vital issue of concussion education. The legislation amends the School Code and is a requirement for all schools.

Highlights of the Concussion Education Legislation:

• Each school board in the state of Illinois shall adopt a policy regarding student athlete concussions and head injuries that is in compliance with the protocols, policies, and by-laws developed by the Illinois High School Association. For further information on concussion protocols and policies, click here.
• Information on the school board's concussion and head injury policy must be a part of any agreement, contract, code, or other written instrument that a school district requires a student-athlete and his/her parents or guardian to sign before participating in practice or interscholastic competition. The IESA has provided a Concussion Information Sheet and Sign-Off Form that schools may use to notify athletes and their parents/guardian about the dangers of concussions and head injuries. Each school may produce its own form if it wishes or modify the provided generic version for their school. Please note that this is a two-sided form.
• Each school district shall use education materials provided by the Illinois High School Association to educate coaches, student-athletes, and parents/guardians of student-athletes about the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including continuing play after a concussion or head injury. Click here for more materials regarding concussion education.