The Hawaii High School Athletic Association is requiring all coaches participating in its state championship events to complete an online concussion education course, the HHSAA announced today.

“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.

The requirement was passed by the HHSAA board last month.

The free 30-minute course titled “Concussion In Sports – What You Need to Know” is available on the National Federation of High School Associations learning center website, nfhslearn.com, the HHSAA said. The course  is a collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The HHSAA said coaches who fail to complete the course will not be allowed on the sideline during the event until the course has been successfully completed.