Ohio Law · Coach Requirement

Concussion Training

Mandatory for ALTBSA Coaches

Ohio law requires youth sports coaches to complete approved concussion training and renew it on schedule. All ALTBSA head and assistant coaches must complete this training before coaching in practices, scrimmages, or games.

Who Must Complete Training

ALTBSA coaches are required to complete concussion training. This applies to coaches working with youth athletes age 19 and under in organized athletic activities, including community travel baseball and softball programs.

Certification must be renewed every three years. One valid NFHS concussion certificate covers all sports you coach during that period.

Approved Training: NFHS

Ohio recognizes a limited set of concussion training courses. The course most commonly used for youth coaches is the free NFHS course Concussion in Sports, offered through the NFHS Learning Center.

The course is free, takes approximately 20 minutes, and your completion certificate remains on file in your NFHS Learn account.

Start NFHS Course

How to Complete the Course

  1. Create a free account at NFHS Learn (register if you are new).
  2. Open the Concussion in Sports course and click Order the Course — the price is $0.00.
  3. Complete the short pre-test (5 questions).
  4. Watch the training video (about 20 minutes).
  5. Complete the post-test (5 questions).
  6. Save your certificate number from your NFHS account. You can view or print your certificate anytime online.

Guidance adapted from the CVBA Concussion Training page.

ALTBSA Coach Requirements

Before coaching for ALTBSA, each coach must:

  • Complete the NFHS Concussion in Sports course (or another Ohio-approved equivalent)
  • Maintain a current certificate (renewed every three years)
  • Provide certificate information when requested through ALTBSA registration and coach onboarding

ALTBSA is moving coach registrations and compliance documentation to a centralized platform. Until that is fully in place, coaches may be asked to submit certificate details through team registration or by contacting Questions? Contact ALTBSA at our online contact form.

If a Concussion Is Suspected

Coaches must follow Ohio return-to-play requirements. If an athlete shows signs or reports symptoms of a concussion:

  • Remove the athlete from play immediately
  • Do not allow return to practice or competition the same day
  • Ensure the athlete is evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider
  • Allow return only with proper medical clearance and a gradual return-to-play protocol

When in doubt, sit them out. Report the incident to ALTBSA leadership and the athlete’s family promptly.

For Parents & Athletes

Concussion training on this page is a coach requirement. Families should still know the signs of concussion and report head injuries to their coach.

For sudden cardiac arrest requirements, see our Lindsay’s Law page.