I recommend that all officials take the course. I also recommend that all legislators take the course. Saying the words "Exhibiting the signs of a possible concussion" is a protection for the official. And beckoning on the coach in those instances will ensure that the player will be replaced.

I had one near the end of the season. I blew the whistle because the kid was shaking his head after having gone to the floor and possibly hitting his head. The play was at the other end with no attempt to go for the basket by the other team. The kid returned later that quarter, but in FL, that is on the coach. We are to assume clearance has been given. Watching the video, it seems prudent that anyone leaving should not play anymore that game. I saw the video after the incident.

Massachusetts passed a "concussion law" last year. All the responsibility is with schools and parents; officials are not mentioned at all.

The state law...and corresponding direction from the MIAA, however...calls for stronger action than the NFHS rules. If a player is sent out of a game (or practice) with symptoms of a concussion, he may not return that day at all...and may not return without written permission from a health-care professional to the school athletic director.

Details here: Concussion Update Issues

It should be noted that that 99.99% of all legislative time used is silly.

And the rest is squandered.

When In The Constitution State, Do As ...
 

As I have already stated, we have been advised not to use the "C Word" here. Instead we have been advised to just tell the coach what symptoms we have observed. i.e., beckon the coach and say, "Hey coach, this kid hit his head and seems a little shaky on his feet". After that we just treat it as any other injury.

I haven't been nutmegged, so I am fine with my language.

Take It Over To The Soccer Forum ...
 

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gD3ox_MdCrw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I can almost see it now...

Star player H1 fast break drives through and hits wall on endline. Bumps his a head a bit. Shakes it off and wants to continue.

HC for Visitor will come in with "Hey Ref, I think H1 is showing sings of concussion, you better do something." :rolleyes:

He'd better be in his box when he says it. :cool:

Coach: "So what does the rule book say about "shaky on his feet? You can't send him to the bench for that."

Exactly. And diction is no defense against legal liability: I can be sued for failing to enforce the policy just as easily as enforcing it using the word 'concussion'.

When In The Constitution State ...
 

Plus, once he's beckoned, then he either has to request, and be granted, a timeout, or let the player sit a tick. After that it's up to him, and his health care professional, to let the kid continue to play, or not. The rest is none of my business. In Connecticut, I've done my job.