Legislation now requires all coaches and officials to educate themselves on concussions.

Minnesota Legislature passed, and Gov. Mark Dayoton signed into legislation, requiring each coach and official, whether licensed, registered or volunteering, working at the Minnesota State High School League varsity, junior varsity or b-squad/sophomore level, to receive initial online training and online training at least once every three calendar years thereafter, according to a MSHSL press release.

The legislation also applies to coaches and officials in youth sports programs when a municipality, business or nonprofit organization organizes a youth athletic activity for which an activity fee is charged, the release, dated June 27, states.

The MSHSL sent letters with information on the law to each school superintendent in Minnesota, and a copy of the press release was sent to athletic directors, coaches and contest officials.

The online course coaches and officials must complete is called “Concussion in Sports — What You Need to Know.” The course can be accessed through the MSHSL’s website.

Minnesota Legislature acted in addition to the National Federation of State High School Associations, which implemented a standard rule that states:

“Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as the loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional (experienced in evaluating and managing concussions).”

The release states that it is the responsibility of MSHSL member school athletic and activity directors, and school administrators, to ensure every school coach follows the requirements and every contest official, assigned by the school, has received the required training.