by WHSBLA Board posted 06/19/2009 Memo to: All Members
From: WHSBLA Board
Date: June 19, 2009
RE: Zachery Lystedt Law
Dear Members:
This message borrows liberally from a recent message sent by risk management to my school, Tahoma High School. It contains information that will impact every lacrosse program in the state. School ADs are already well aware of the impact and are taking the necessary steps. Non-school teams need to prepare now for the new requirements that this state law mandates.
HB 1824, otherwise known as the Zachery Lystedt Law, was signed into law on May 14, 2009. It requires, as of July 26, 2009, that additional steps be taken regarding concussions in school athletic programs and non-profit athletic groups using school district facilities. The WIAA is charged with the responsibility of developing guidelines, which will be made available in a variety of formats including WIAA website links.
In the development of these guidelines, WIAA has retained the services of medical experts from WIAA in conjunction with Harborview Medical Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Hospital. That information is expected to be released by the third week of July at the latest.
The net effect of this bill will have an impact on all programs that use school facilities. As of July 26, 2009, all coaches, players and their parents/guardians must meet these minimum requirements:
1. All school coaches will have to take training on the nature and risk of concussions and head injury including continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.
2. On a yearly basis, a concussion and head injury information sheet shall be signed and returned by the youth athlete and athlete’s parents/guardian prior to the youth athlete’s initiating practice or competition.
3. All athletes suspected of suffering a concussion or brain injury will be removed from practice or competition and not returned to play until cleared in writing by a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions (Medical Doctors, Doctor of Osteopathy, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Physicians Assistants and Certified Athletic Trainers).
4. All non-profit youth organizations using school facilities shall:
a. Provide the school with written proof of insurance covering their youth athletes with limits required by the law (this was required well before the Zachery Lystedt Law); and
b. All coaches, players and parents of youth teams shall have similar training as outlined for school coaches, players and parents prior to the start of any practice; and
c. The non-profit youth groups shall submit a statement of compliance with the insurance coverage and required head injury trainings prior to receiving access to school facilities.
Thanks. Vern Smith, Bd. President
