School injury claims
Youth sports concussions
California requires school athletic programs to remove an athlete suspected of a concussion for the rest of the day, allow return only after a licensed health care provider's evaluation and written clearance, and, after a diagnosed concussion, require a return-to-play protocol of at least seven days (Educ. Code § 49475).
What California law requires of school athletic programs
If a school district, charter school or private school offers an athletic program, Education Code § 49475 sets minimum concussion rules. An athlete suspected of a concussion or head injury "shall be immediately removed from the athletic activity for the remainder of the day, and shall not be permitted to return to the athletic activity until he or she is evaluated by a licensed health care provider" (Educ. Code § 49475). The athlete also needs written clearance from that provider, and if a concussion or head injury is diagnosed, must complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of at least seven days under the provider's supervision. Every year, the athlete and a parent or guardian must sign and return a concussion and head injury information sheet before practice or competition begins. The rule does not apply to activities during the regular school day or in required physical education classes.
What the CIF publishes
| Also note | The CIF states that California law requires all coaches to receive concussion training, which can be completed through a free online course from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). [source] The CIF publishes a Concussion Information Sheet, in English and Spanish, that schools can use to comply with CIF Bylaw 503.H. [source] The CIF recommends an Acute Concussion Notification Form for schools to use to tell parents or guardians when a student-athlete shows signs and symptoms of a concussion. [source] The CIF also publishes Return to Learn and Return to Play protocol forms, and notes that many adolescents take much longer to recover than the minimum timeline set by law and CIF bylaws. [source] |
|---|
Club, recreation and league sports
Youth sports organizations outside school have similar duties. They must immediately remove an athlete suspected of a concussion or head injury, or who passed out or fainted, for the rest of the day, require written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider before return, and notify a parent or guardian of a removed athlete 17 or younger (Health & Safety Code § 124235).
When a concussion becomes a claim
Most sports concussions are nobody's fault; contact is part of many games. A claim may arise when the rules above were not followed, for example when a student showed symptoms and was sent back in the same day, returned without written clearance, or was hurt because of a dangerous field or equipment condition (Gov. Code § 835). Against a public school district, the six-month claim rule applies (Gov. Code § 911.2); against a private league or club, the two-year rule for lawsuits generally applies (CCP § 335.1).
Records worth keeping
- The signed concussion information sheet and any return-to-play or clearance forms
- Game or practice video, and the names of coaches and athletic trainers present
- Any notice the school or league sent you about the injury
- Medical records, including symptom checklists and school accommodations
Every fact on this page links to the official source it came from. We checked each one in September 2026. Agencies change fees and procedures, so confirm with the agency before you go. How we research.
Common questions
Can a coach let my child go back in after a hit to the head?
Not the same day if a concussion or head injury is suspected. School athletic programs must remove the athlete for the rest of the day and require evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care provider (Educ. Code § 49475).
How long before a student can play after a diagnosed concussion?
The law requires a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than seven days under a licensed health care provider's supervision (Educ. Code § 49475). Recovery often takes longer.
Do these rules apply to club and rec leagues?
Youth sports organizations have their own similar statute (Health & Safety Code § 124235).
Related pages
- School injury claimsClaims against school districts, colleges and UCR, and the rules that apply.
- Campus and playground injuriesDangerous school property, supervision and the six-month claim.
- Claims against school districtsWhere to file an injury claim against each K-12 district.
- Trauma centers and medical recordsDesignated trauma centers and how to get your records.
Sources
Hurt in Riverside County?
Talk with our Riverside team about what happened. Consultations are free, in English or Spanish.