Outline of the state of Arkansas
State
Arkansas
Addressed

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

State law addresses concussions/return to play.

Arkansas Code 6-18-708 Health ad safety in public schools

(a) A school district shall develop procedures concerning student physical activity in its public schools that include without limitation the recognition and management of the following events or conditions that may be encountered by a student during athletic training and physical activities:

  • (1) A concussion, dehydration, or other health emergency;
  • (2) An environmental issue that threatens the health or safety of students;
  • (3) A communicable disease; and
  • (4) A sudden cardiac arrest.
Policy Type
Statute

Arkansas Code 6-18-710. Student athlete concussion education

(d) Guidelines developed under this section shall include:

  • (1) Pertinent information and forms to inform and educate coaches, youth athletes, and the parents or guardians of youth athletes of the nature and risks of concussions and head injuries, including the risks of continuing to play after a concussion or head injury;

  • (2) A requirement that the person operating a youth athletic activity anually shall distribute a concussion and head injury information sheet to each person who intends to participate in the youth athletic activity;

  • (3) A requirement that a person shall not participate in a youth athletic activity unless the person returns the information sheet signed by the person and, if he or she is under eighteen (18) years of age, by his or her parent or guardian; and

  • (4)

    • (A) A requirement that a youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or who has had an injury in a game, an activity, or a practice for a game shall be removed from the game, activity, or practice at that time.

    • (B)

      • (i) A youth athlete who has been removed under this subdivision (d)(4) shall not return to play until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed healthcare provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receives written clearance to return to play from that healthcare provider.

      • (ii)

      • (a) The healthcare provider may be a volunteer.

      • (b) A volunteer under subdivision (d)(4)(B)(ii)(a) of this section who authorizes a youth athlete to return to play is not liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the rendering of care other than acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Policy Type
Statute