On Monday, the Governor signed into law the Protecting Our Student Athletes Act (formerly House Bill 200). The new law recognizes that student athletes suffer concussions and head injuries in startling numbers every year, and occasionally prematurely return to play after sustaining such injuries. The changes to the School Code are intended to protect student athletes from concussions and other head injuries.

The School Code now requires school boards to adopt policies regarding student athlete concussions and head injuries that comply with the Illinois High School Association’s (“IHSA”) protocols, policies, and by-laws.