Franklin Pierce Youth Soccer Club

On May 14, 2009 the Governor of Washington, Christine Gregoire, signed House Bill 1824, also known as the Zackery Lystedt Law.  Effective July 26, 2009, the Lystedt Law directly affects youth sports and head injury policies.  The new law requires that:

1)    An informed consent must be signed annually by parents and youth athletes acknowledging the risk of head injury prior to practice or competition

2)    A youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury must be removed from play – “when in doubt, sit them out”

3)    A youth athlete who has been removed from play must receive written clearance from a licensed health care provider prior to returning to play

Washington Youth Soccer has developed the guidelines, pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of the nature and risk of concussion and head injury including continuing to play after concussion or head injury.  Each member association and club will work in concert with Washington Youth Soccer to disseminate these materials and ensure compliance with the new law.   

 COACHES: 

• Shall be educated as to the nature and risk of concussion and head injuries including continuing to play after concussion or head injury. This education shall include signs and symptoms of concussion/brain injury. Education materials are available at below at no charge.
• Shall educate their athletes on the signs and symptoms of concussion and encourage athletes to notify a coach if they or a teammate exhibits those signs or symptoms.
• Shall immediately remove from participation/competition any athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury.
• Shall not allow an athlete who has been removed from play because of a suspected concussion/brain injury to return to play until the athlete has received written clearance from a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of brain injuries.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS:

• Shall annually review, sign and return to the Washington Youth Soccer Club in which their child plays for, an informed consent form on concussion and head injury prior to the youth athlete's initiating practice or competition. This informed consent form can be found by clicking here.

ATHLETES:

• Shall annually review, sign and return to the Washington Youth Soccer Club in which they play for, an informed consent sheet on concussion and head injury prior to initiating practice or competition.
• Athletes are encouraged to notify a coach if they or a teammate exhibit signs or symptoms of a concussion/brain injury.