Montana Youth Soccer believes strongly in player safety, especially when it relates to concussions and head injuries. MYSA Policy 5-100 bans players 12 years old and younger from heading the ball in games or training.
MYSA strictly enforces Montana Code Title 20. Education, Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs, Part 13. Protection and Wellness of Youth, which in part requires a coach, official or trainer must remove a player from participation when the player exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion. Such a player may not return to soccer activities until the player:
- no longer exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion
- receives an evaluation by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to return to play from the licensed health care professional. The written clearance must state:
- that the licensed health care professional has evaluated the player; and
- that in the licensed health care professional's opinion, the player is capable of safely resuming in soccer activities
Furthermore, in accordance with Montana Code Title 20. Education, Chapter 7. School Instruction and Special Programs, Part 13. Protection and Wellness of Youth, MYSA requires all coaches and officials participating with our Member Clubs completed concussion education training each year. Training takes place in GotSoccer using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports program. Coaches and officials are not eligible to participate as such or be on a team roster until they have completed their annual training.