Outline of the state of Delaware
State
Delaware
Addressed

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

Category
Concussion Head Injuries

State law addresses concussions/return to play.

Delaware Code 3004L Concussion protection

(a) An athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in an athletic activity shall be immediately removed from physical participation in the athletic activity and shall not return to that athletic activity on the same day.

(b) An athlete who has been removed from an athletic activity may not return to physical participation in an athletic activity until evaluated by a health-care provider and the athlete receives written clearance to return to physical participation in an athletic activity from the evaluating health-care provider.

(c) The coach or official responsible for an athlete's removal shall ensure that prompt notice is provided to the athlete's parent or guardian of both the removal and medical clearance requirement.

Policy Type
Statute

Delaware Code 303 Rules and Regulations: Concussion

(d) The Association shall adopt rules and regulations applicable to member schools regarding the appropriate recognition and management of student athletes exhibiting signs or symptoms consistent with a concussion. The rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following requirements which shall be effective no later than the 2012-2013 school year:

  • (1) Each student athlete and the athlete's parent or guardian shall annually sign and return a concussion information sheet designed by the Association prior to the athlete initiating practice or competition.

  • (2) Each coach shall complete concussion training consistent with a timetable and curriculum established by the Association.

  • (3) A student athlete shall be promptly removed from play if the athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or exhibits signs or symptoms of concussion until completion of assessment by a qualified healthcare professional or medical clearance.

  • (4) Written clearance for return to play after a concussion shall be from a qualified physician (Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) only.

Policy Type
Statute

Delaware School Nurse Manual

The Delaware School Nurse Manual does not address a concussion or head injury policy, but provides links to other guidance regarding concussions and head trauma.

Policy Type
Non-codified