Concussions - Get all the forms under Resources
In November, 2011, Governor Corbett signed into law the Safety in Youth Sports Act (Senate Bill 200), joining 31 other states who have enacted similar legislation. The purpose of this act is to reduce the risk of long-term damage for student athletes who suffer concussions or other brain-related trauma while participating in sports by establishing standards for managing concussions and other brain injuries.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Additional information for parents/guardians and students/athletes can be found in the following documents:
- Concussion Facts Parents
- Concussion Facts Athletes
At the beginning of every season, prior to engaging in any athletic activity, every student/athlete and his/her parent/guardian, must read and sign the Concussion Acknowledgment Parents Athletes. Any student/athlete suspected of having received a concussion must be immediately removed from play and be given the “Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports Fact Sheets” for both Athletes and Parents. Any student/athlete who has a concussion must obtain medical clearance before being allowed to return to practice or competition.
In addition, each year, all CYO coaches are required to complete the online Heads-Up Concussions in Youth Sports training BEFORE coaching any CYO Sport. The training program is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:
https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.htm
Coaches must submit a copy of the Certificate of Completion provided at the conclusion of the online course to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry with the team roster.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act
On May 30th, Governor Corbett signed into law the “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act,” also known as Act 59 of 2012 (originally House Bill 1610). This law makes Pennsylvania the first state in the country to enact legislation that will protect student athletes from the potentially fatal condition. Sudden cardiac arrest usually occurs with exercising in young adults and children. Act 59 will ensure that individuals who are involved in school sports are properly educated about the signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest and appropriate measures take place. Physical activities should not have to be what essentially triggers death.
Therefore, all students/athletes and their parents/guardians involved in a CYO Program in the Diocese of Allentown are required to read and sign the form below and return it to their Coach prior to participating in any practices/games for the respective sports season.
Cardiac Arrest Acknowledgment Parents Athletes
Every year, all CYO coaches are required to read and sign the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Education and Information Form BEFORE coaching any sport. Coaches must submit the signed form to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry with the team roster.
Cardiac Arrest Coaches Training
