FL H0291

Independent sanctioning authorities for youth athletic teams must adopt guidelines educating coaches, officials, administrators, athletes, and parents about the nature and risk of concussion and head injury.

Parents or guardians must sign informed consent forms annually explaining concussion and head injury risks before youth athletes participate in practices, competitions, tryouts, or workouts.

Youth athletes suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be immediately removed from activity and cannot return until providing written medical clearance from a qualified health care practitioner.

The Florida High School Athletic Association must adopt bylaws establishing a Sports Medicine Advisory Committee composed of 8 physicians, 1 chiropractor, 1 podiatrist, 1 dentist, 3 athletic trainers, and 1 current or retired high school head coach.

The act takes effect July 1, 2012.