Image from:  CDC Heads Up

Keeping players healthy and safe is always a top priority. Whether you are a parent, youth sports coach, school coach, school professional, or health care provider, this site will help you recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury.

HB 1824, also called the Lystedt Law, addresses the nature and risks of concussions and head injuries in youth sports, with specific requirements for education and compliance by players, parents, coaches, and youth organizations, such as youth soccer clubs and associations. The bill was voted on by the Washington State House of Representatives unanimously and signed into law by Governor Christine Gregoire on May 14, 2009; it went into effect on July 26, 2009. 

All Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Team Managers must complete an online Concussion prevention program every year.

• No heading allowed until player is 11 years old.  Notionally this is U12, but includes any player playing up into the U12 division (e.g a 10 year old playing in U12)
• Goalkeepers are not allowed to punt the ball until U12
• Never distribute the ball into the field or practice above waist height - verify eye contact with the person you are giving the ball to
• Do not permit shooting on goal while players or spectators are adjacent to the goal - most notably in pre-game warm-ups when players are getting dressed and not observing shots approaching them

Image from:  CDC Heads Up

Updated/Reviewed:  03/26/2022