New Michigan Concussion Law Affects Royal Oak Schools Sports

Michigan's new concussion law, which went into effect in June, regulates sports concussions and students' return to athletic activity. 

"The new Michigan law requires that 'entities' that organize 'youth athletic activities' provide educational materials on the signs/symptoms and consequences of concussions to each participant and their parents/guardians," writes Supt. Shawn Lewis-Lakin in his Superintendent's Corner column on Royal Oak Patch.


By law, parents must sign a specific statement acknowledging receipt of the information before their children are allowed to participate in sports or physical education classes. 

"The law also requires immediate removal of a student from physical participation in an athletic activity who is suspected of sustaining a concussion," said Lewis-Lakin. 

A student suspected of sustaining a concussion must receive written clearance from an appropriate health professional before he or she can return to physical activity.

Michigan was the 39th state to enact the law, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health, to promote awareness of concussions — traumatic brain injuries caused by bumps, blows, or jolts to the head that can have serious consequences. 

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention teamed up to provide high schools and parents with resources. The NFHS course teaches:

• the impact sports-related concussion can have on players
• how to recognize a suspected concussion
• the proper protocols to manage a suspected concussion
• steps to help a player return to play safely after experiencing a concussion

• Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
• Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.
• Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.