Is there a law about concussions in youth sports?

Yes. According to the CDC, every state has a youth sports concussion return-to-play law. Washington's Lystedt Law (2009) was the first, requiring removal from play and clearance before return.

The details vary by state, including:

• which programs are covered (some laws cover only school sports, others also cover community leagues),
• which health care professionals can give clearance, and
• whether clearance must be in writing.

The national baseline in CDC HEADS UP and NFHS high school guidance: an athlete suspected of a concussion is removed from play right away, doesn't return the same day, and returns only after clearance from a health care professional. NFHS guidance (2023) calls for written clearance consistent with applicable law. State high school associations may add their own requirements.