Player Safety
Ohio law requires youth sports organizations to educate coaches, parents, and athletes about two serious risks: concussions and sudden cardiac arrest. Here's what every Ada Soccer Association family should know.
Concussion Awareness — Ohio's "Return to Play" Law
Ohio's concussion law places training, safety, and awareness requirements on youth sports leagues, coaches, officials, and families.
- Coach training: Coaches, referees, and officials must complete an approved online concussion training (such as the CDC Heads Up or NFHS course) at least once every three years.
- Immediate removal: Any athlete suspected of having a concussion must be removed from practice or play immediately.
- No same-day return: An athlete removed for a suspected concussion may not return to play or practice that same day.
- Medical clearance required: The athlete cannot return until evaluated and given written clearance by a physician (MD/DO) or another licensed healthcare provider approved by the league.
- Parent education: A concussion information sheet must be provided to each participant's parent/guardian every year before the season begins.
Download the Concussion Information Sheet (PDF) — official Ohio Department of Health form.
Lindsay's Law — Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
Lindsay's Law (Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58, and 3707.59) protects youth athletes age 19 and under who participate in athletics organized by a school or youth sports organization.
- Annual coach training: Coaches must complete an annual sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) training approved by the Ohio Department of Health, including the required coach video and handout.
- Immediate removal: Any athlete who faints or has a known fainting episode must be removed from activity immediately by the coach.
- Medical clearance required: The athlete must be evaluated and cleared by an authorized healthcare provider (physician, certified nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or — for school athletes — a physician assistant or licensed athletic trainer) before returning to play.
- Emergency Action Plan: Leagues should maintain an Emergency Action Plan, practiced regularly, along with CPR/AED-trained staff at events.
- Parent/athlete signature form: Parents and athletes must review SCA warning signs and sign the required Lindsay's Law form each year before participating.
Download the Lindsay's Law Signature Form (PDF) — official Ohio Department of Health form.
Sources: Ohio Dept. of Health – Lindsay's Law FAQs · Nationwide Children's Hospital – Ohio's Concussion Law