August 30, 2017
TO: OYAA Participants (Parents, Coaches, and Players)
We would like to inform you of recent legislation which impacts OYAA and all those involved in youth athletics in Ohio. Senate Bill (SB) 252, Lindsay’s Law, was enacted to address the danger of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). It is part of Ohio Revised Code 3313.5310, 3707.58 and 3707.59 and affects athletes in school districts and community programs such as OYAA.
A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Sudden cardiac arrest is fatal if not treated immediately, most often by a defibrillator.
Lindsay’s Law requires that all participants, including athletes, parents, and coaches, be informed and educated about the nature and warning signs of SCA. To this end, all are required to view a video and receive an informational handout.
The following resources were developed by the State of Ohio to implement Lindsay’s Law and will be required for ALL PARTICIPANTS:
For parents/guardians and youth athletes:
For coaches:
Effective September 1, 2017, OYAA will comply with this law by requiring that parents and athletes comply with Lindsay’s Law as part of the registration process. Links to the video and handout will be included during registration, and parents/guardians will not be able to complete registration until having reviewed the video and handout. An “e-signature” indicating compliance with the law must be completed before registration can be finalized. Similarly, coaching volunteers must complete these requirements prior to being approved and placed with a team.
Registration and participation, for both athletes and coaches, will not be permitted until this requirement has been met.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. For additional information regarding Lindsay’s Law, please review the OYAA Resources and Ohio Senate pages:
OYAA Resources-Lindsay's Law
Ohio Senate-Lindsay's Law
Sincerely,
Elaine Eddy
Executive Director, OYAA