Montana § 20-7-1303 - Youth Athletes -- Concussion Education Requirements

§ 20-7-1303. Youth Athletes -- Concussion Education Requirements

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: (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).