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Ohio Bill Would Fix Errors In Sports Safety Law

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The Ohio House has cleared a bill correcting a new state law that inadvertently allows coaches and referees in youth sports leagues to be criminally prosecuted for violating rules regarding players' head injuries.

The House voted unanimously Wednesday to fix the error in the law. The Senate passed an earlier version.

The new law requires coaches, volunteers and officials in youth sports organizations to have players who show concussion-like symptoms sit out games or practices until they're checked and cleared by a doctor or licensed health care provider. Coaches are also required to know more about concussions.

Supporters say the law is intended to promote safety, not impose punishments.

The Ohio Department of Health says it isn't aware of any criminal charges filed since the law took effect April 26.