HHSAA Requiring Coaches to Watch NFHS Concussion Video

In the modern era of sports and sports medicine, the talk of concussions and how to treat them have never been louder. From professional sports down to youth leagues, getting everyone on the same page on how to treat concussion symptoms has been a battle waged by politicians, sports leaders, and parents.

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) announced Wednesday that in order for coaches of all levels to be on the sidelines with their team during state tournament events, they have to complete a concussion video that is provided by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS).

“It is the responsibility of our coaches and administrators to not only prepare our student athletes for victory, but to provide a safe environment as well,” said HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun in a statement.

The concussion video, titled “Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know” is not new to many coaches across the state. According to Castle High School Athletic Director Richard Haru, the Department of Education already requires all coaches to view the online video as part of its “Concussion Management Program.” The mandate by the HHSAA board, however, covers all schools, public and private, around the state.

“I am very pleased that our Board recognized the severity of concussions in athletics and included this course as part of the coaching certification process in Hawaii,” Chun said.  “The NFHS’s concussion course provides a strong foundation that will prepare our coaches to deal with concussions in collaboration with our athletic trainers and other health care professionals.”

Coaches of sports that are played during the fall season are exempt from clearing the video this season, according to an HHSAA spokesperson, who said that AD’s from the state raised concerns that the timing was too tight for those coaches. Sports that are played during the fall include football, girls volleyball, cross country, bowling, air riflery, and cheerleading.

However, in an interview on “The Josh Pacheco Show” on ESPN 1420 in Honolulu, Chun noted that a majority of fall sports coaches have already completed the video.