TN Sports Concussion Law
In April 2013, Tennessee became the 44th state to pass a sports concussion law designed to reduce youth sports concussion and increase awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
To read the legislation please visit: Tenn. Annotated Code 68-55-501-503
The Tennessee Sports Concussion Law is designed to protect young athletes by implementing key measures to manage and prevent concussions. The legislation has three key components:
1. Education and Training
- Director of youth athletic activities, coaches, youth athletes, and their parents/guardians must receive education about the nature and risks of concussions and head injury. This training includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions, understanding the potential long-term consequences, and knowing the appropriate responses when a concussion is suspected.
- Training materials on educational resources are provided to ensure all parties are well-informed about the dangers and management of concussions.
2. Removal from Play
- Any youth athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion during a practice or game must be immediately removed from play. This precautionary measure helps prevent further injury and allows for proper assessment and care.
- The athlete is not allowed to play on the same day the injury occurs, ensuring adequate time for evaluation and recovery.
3. Health Care Provider Clearance
- Before a youth athlete can return to play, they must be evaluated and provided written clearance by a health care provider trained in concussion management. This ensures that the athlete has fully recovered and is safe to resume athletic activities.
- The health care provider’s clearance must confirm that the athlete is symptom-free and has successfully completed a gradual return-to-play protocol.
Sample Policies, Forms, and Guidelines
Below are sample policies, forms, and guidelines that will equip schools, coaches, athletic trainers, parents, and athletes to recognize and respond to sports-related concussions:
CDC Parents/Athlete Signature Form (English)
CDC Parents/Athlete Signature Form (Spanish)
American Academy of Pediatrics – Return to Learning Following a Concussion | Clinical Report
Graduated Return to Play Following a Concussion: Sports Competition
Returning to School After a Concussion: A Fact Sheet for School Professionals
CDC HEADS UP: Guidelines and Recommendations
CDC HEADS UP: Returning to Sports
CDC HEADS UP: Returning to School After a Concussion
CDC HEADS UP: Concussion Signs and Symptoms Checklist
Training Resources
The following trainings have been approved by the Tennessee Department of Health as concussion recognition and head injury safety education online courses. Completion of one of these trainings on an annual basis fulfills the requirements of training for all coaches and athletic directors as required by the Tennessee Youth Sports Concussion Law.
HEADS UP to Youth Sports Coaches: Online Concussion Training
HEADS UP to Youth Athletic Trainers: Online Concussion Training
HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training for School Professionals
- The HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training for School Professionals is for classroom teachers (grades K-12), school administrators, paraprofessionals, teachers’ aides, and other staff who work with students.
HEADS UP: Online Training for Health Care Providers
National Federation of State High School Associations – Concussion in Sports Training
Other Resources:
CDC HEADS UP | Fact Sheet for Youth Sports Coaches
CDC HEADS UP Concussion | High School Parents Fact Sheet
Additional Sports Safety Recognition | Safe Stars Initiative
The Safe Stars initiative recognizes youth sports leagues throughout Tennessee for providing the highest level of safety for their young athletes. Safe Stars consists of 3 levels: gold, silver, and bronze, and involves implementation of policies around topics such as concussion education, weather safety, and injury prevention. For more information about Safe Stars, please visit: Safe Stars Initiative.