Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 14-501 - Concussions, head injuries, or sudden cardiac arrest in youth sports programs(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.(2) "Concussion" means a traumatic injury to the brain causing an immediate and, usually, short-lived change in mental status or an alteration of normal consciousness resulting from: (ii) A violent blow to the head or body; or(iii) The shaking or spinning of the head or body.(3) "Sudden cardiac arrest" means a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.(4) "Youth athlete" means an individual who participates in an athletic activity in association with a youth sports program conducted: (i) At a public school facility; or(ii) By a recreational athletic organization.(5) "Youth sports program" means a program organized for recreational athletic competition or instruction for participants who are under the age of 19 years.(b)(1) A youth sports program shall make available information on concussions, head injuries, and sudden cardiac arrest developed by the State Department of Education under §§ 7-433 and 7-436 of the Education Article to coaches, youth athletes, and the parents or guardians of youth athletes.(2) A coach of a youth sports program shall review the information provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.(c)(1) A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or other head injury in a practice or game shall be removed from play at that time.(2) A youth athlete who has been removed from play may not return to play until the youth athlete has obtained written clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions.(d) Before a youth sports program may use a facility owned or operated by a local government, the local government shall provide notice to the youth sports program of the requirements of this section.Amended by 2014 Md. Laws, Ch. 403,Sec. 1, eff. 7/1/2014.