HB 5431

Abstract

Amends the Interscholastic Athletic Organization Act. Provides that an association or other entity that has, as one of its purposes, promoting, sponsoring, regulating, or in any manner providing for interscholastic athletics or any form of athletic competition among schools and students within this State shall develop an online certification for high school coaching personnel and athletic directors in concussion awareness and reduction of repetitive sub-concussive hits and concussions. Provides that on and after the effective date of the amendatory Act, online concussion certification is mandatory for all high school coaching personnel, including the head and assistant coaches, and the athletic directors. Sets forth provisions governing certification requirements for coaching personnel and athletic directors hired before and after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the mandatory online certification program content shall be updated annually and include a video, and sets forth the topics of focus. Further provides that to pass the concussion certification, coaching personnel and athletic directors shall review the association's online material and demonstrate proficiency on the test developed by the association. Requires the certification to be renewed every 2 years. Provides that high school coaching personnel and athletic directors shall annually require their student athletes to watch the video in the online concussion certification program to increase athlete awareness of the risk of concussion and sub-concussive hits to the head. Provides that high school coaching personnel shall encourage coaches of youth sports organizations to consider this certification. Effective immediately.