The Student Athlete Concussions Law, which outlines requirements for S.C. High School League-sanctioned events, went into effect June 7, 2013. This information will help S.C. school districts comply with the law.

Read the SC Student Athlete Concussions Law.

The law requires school districts in South Carolina to provide information fact sheets on concussions to all coaches, volunteers, student athletes and parents or legal guardians, removal from practice or athletic competition. If an athlete has sustained a concussion and written medical clearance must be approved from a physician before a student athlete can return to play.

The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) offers educational resources on the recommended safety guidelines for return to play for team sports. School districts should review the requirements outlined in the SC Student Athlete Concussions Law, examine national guidelines and procedures to identify best practices, and create district policy and procedures accordingly. Some resources that school districts may find helpful are listed below. The documents listed below do not supersede any section of the SC Student Athlete Concussions Law.

HEADS UP | CDC Injury Center - A CDC Injury Center website designed to help parents, youth sports and school coaches, school professionals, and health care providers the different ways to recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury.

Brain Injury Safety Net - The Brain Injury Safety Net Program (Safety Net) works with partners across South Carolina to promote much-needed resources and educational materials regarding brain health in school-age youth. Through resources, trainings, and outreach efforts, Safety Net continues to coordinate the services needed to recover and thrive after experiencing a concussion.

Return to Learn Manual - The REAP manual is an asset to South Carolina’s public and private schools and will help to build a better system of care for students with concussions. Students and parents will use the REAP manual to learn how to discuss the impact of having concussion symptoms with their schools and providers.

Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) - is a series of online educational modules and resources addressing concussion recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and management. Good concussion management is pivotal to minimizing the risk of brain damage and may reduce long-term health consequences.