Illinois Requirements

Requirements for Illinois Schools

The Illinois Youth Sports Concussion Act (Public Act 099-0245) requires schools to implement concussion safety policies.

The law was passed in 2015 and took effect in 2016. It applies to middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools and amended the Illinois School Code.

Schools must:

• Adopt a concussion policy that complies with Illinois law and Illinois High School Association (IHSA) policies
• Establish a Concussion Oversight Team responsible for developing:
  • Return-to-Learn protocols
  • Return-to-Play protocols
• Develop emergency action plans for head injuries during athletic activities
• Provide concussion education using approved materials, such as CDC HEADS UP resources

Training requirements:

Approved concussion training (minimum two hours) must be completed by:

• Coaches
• Members of the Concussion Oversight Team
•  

Education must also be provided to:

• Student athletes
• Parents and guardians

Requirements for Park Districts

Park districts also have responsibilities when they organize youth sports activities.

Park districts must:

• Provide concussion education and awareness materials
• Ensure coaches or staff involved in youth sports activities receive appropriate concussion training

These requirements apply when a park district directly organizes or sponsors a youth sports league or activity.

What to do If a head injury occurs during sports or recreational activities:

The athlete should stop playing immediately and be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and proper recovery protocols are critical to protecting long-term brain health.

When to seek immediate medical care:

Call 911 or seek emergency care if someone with a head injury experiences:

• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or worsening headache
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Unequal pupils
• Loss of consciousness
• Increasing confusion