As you may know, a new state law regarding concussions and head injuries recently went into effect. It is actually named after Maple Valley's Zach Lystedt, who was injured playing football several years ago. All coaches in the state--school, club, select, community rec, etc.--are now required to receive training on this topic before holding any tryouts, practices, or games. In our recent district training, it was made clear that the district's interpretation of the law leaves us very little discretion regarding our players. If they display or express any of the indicators of a potential head injury, we are required to sit them out of practice or a game, and they are not allowed to return until they submit to the school's Athletic Director a signed clearance from an approved medical professional (as described in the law.)

It is important for players and parents to be familiar with this new law. The "indicators" identified in the law include almost anything, including lethargy, headaches, stomach aches, and just "not feeling well." In effect, this means that if a player shows signs of such things, or expresses them verbally, we will be required to sit them out until they receive medical clearance. Players will need to consider seriously, on a daily basis, if they are fit for practice or a game. If they start and then have issues with their health--either visibly or verbally--it will no longer be as simple as just resting or sitting out the rest of the day. They will have to see an appoved medical professional before they can return to practice or competition. If a player is not sure they can complete practice or a game in good health, their family might decide that it would be better for them to not participate at all until they feel up to it.

For more information, please see the Tahoma Athletic Handbook. You should have a copy from completing the "Pink Card" clearance process, or you can find it under Documents on this site or the Tahoma Athletics site.